Bradford's only home catering for elderly south Asian residents faces closure because of a huge bill for refurbishment.

Milton House, off Barkerend Road, needs work costing up to £1 million to meet new Government standards.

And officers will tell tomorrow's Executive Committee that the legislation means the Council must be carry out the work by April 2002 or plans must be in place for its closure.

The committee is being recommended by officers to support the closure and provide facilities elsewhere.

But there would be a major consultation exercise with residents, staff, carers, and families.

The views of the community and organisations would be taken into account. The executive is expected to ask the Council's housing and health scrutiny committee to examine proposals which include:

l relocating it to another home

l setting up a non-profit making trust to provide a similar service at the house

l a partnership with a housing association or private company to provide a service

l keeping it within the Council and finding the money from the budget.

Officers say in their report that the bill for renovation and alterations to meet the standards has been estimated at between £750,000 and £1 million. But the market value of the property is only in the region of £210,000.

But they point out that Milton House is the only one in the district which provides specialist services to elderly south Asian people.

They say the number of black and minority ethnic older people is set to increase over the coming years and long-term care plans are needed.

The officers believe a partnership arrangement which provides housing and care would be the best solution.

The Council's executive member for health and housing, councillor Kris Hopkins, said: "No final decision will be made on the future of Milton House without consultation with carers, residents, and staff on a range of options. We also need to maintain our commitment of providing care for older people from south Asian community. At this time, Milton House fails to meet the statutory requirements."

Ward councillor Mukhtar Ali (Labour, Bowling) said: "It has been on the books for refurbishment for quite a few years and it should have been done by now. It is a unique facility and there must be very full public consultation."

Similar problems at Ingrow Green home in Keighley are being solved with a housing scheme nearby.