A CARE home in Burnley could be axed despite it receiving a 'Good' inspection rating.

Lower Ridge, one of 18 county council-run homes, in Belvedere Road, could be closed following concerns about the 'poor' structural condition of the building and low usage rates by residents. This proposal was agreed at the cabinet meeting on Thursday.

The home currently has a 'Good' rating from the Care Quality Commission, based on its last inspection in 2016, but according to County Hall bosses it is only two-thirds full compared to 94% occupancy for other county council care homes.

The care home, which opened in 1967, has the capacity to accommodate 35 people, but at the beginning of April only 19 residents were living there.

County Hall bosses have said the bedrooms do not have en-suite facilities and are all on the second floor, meaning residents typically find it difficult to access them while the lounge and living areas are seen to be very cramped.

County Cllr Graham Gooch, cabinet member for adult services, said: "Given the low numbers using the service, the condition of the building and the spare capacity at other local homes we believe the best option is to close Lower Ridge.

"If Lower Ridge closes, we're confident there will be enough places in local care homes to accommodate everyone affected.

"All residents and their families would be given a reasonable choice of which home to move to and would be supported by a social worker throughout the process.

A 12-week consultation, which will begin on Monday 23 April, will give residents, their families, staff and other interested parties the opportunity to have their say via the county council's website or in writing.

The final decision as to whether to close the building will be taken in August after the consultation has finished.

People will be able to have their say or find out more about the consultation at www.lancashire.gov.uk/haveyoursay

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