Council delays closure of Chapel-en-le-Frith care beds

The county council made the decision last November to close six short-term respite care beds at Ecclesfold Resource Centre on Manchester Road, Chapel-en-le-Frith.

The move was part of the council’s five-year plan to keep 18 residential care homes open and ensure continued investment in residential and specialist care for older people.

It was expected that alternative services could be found by the end of March, at which point the beds at Ecclesfold could be closed.

However, following feedback at a public meeting recently, it was confirmed that work to put such arrangements in place was ongoing.

Councillor Paul Smith, the cabinet member for adult social care, said: “Closing the beds at Ecclesfold was a very difficult decision to make and we know this has been an anxious time for people who use them and for their families.

“We are working hard to find alternatives and, as previously promised, we are not closing the beds at Ecclesfold until we are satisfied that suitable alternatives are available.”

Coun Smith added: “We have met with local to keep them updated on the situation and have listened to their concerns.”

The decision on Ecclesfold also included closing four council-run residential care homes in other parts of the county.

The council says it has since been working hard with partner agencies, the local community and people who use the service to identify suitable alternatives in the area.

Staff are liaising with service users and health colleagues and other organisations providing services to explore options, including at other care homes in the area.

The proposal to close the beds at the end of March has been postponed, and it is now anticipated that they will not close until at least the summer.