MP Ann Cryer has hit out at Bradford council as the row continues over the future of Ingrow Green home for the elderly.

And she has pledged her full backing to save the council-run home - the last of its kind in Keighley - from closure.

Mrs Cryer is writing to Bradford council leader Cllr Ian Greenwood to voice her feelings.

She told us: "I have been corresponding with local authority officers, Ingrow Green residents and their relatives for the past six weeks and feel I must now take the argument for retention to the political leadership.

"I recognise that work needs to be done at the home but I will argue vociferously that the necessary improvements are carried out - possibly utilising the now unused children's unit nearby while it is done - and that Ingrow Green is retained.

"I have been trying for at least two months to arrange a meeting with the council's officer in charge of care for the elderly to discuss the situation, but to no avail.

"It is appalling that Keighley has been left with just a single council-run elderly people's home, and further it is my understanding that Ingrow Green is one of only two in the Bradford district not to have undergone refurbishment.

"I am less than pleased with this whole situation and I am getting fed up with it.

"It makes you wonder whether in some people's eyes Keighley even exists."

Alison O'Sullivan, the council's assistant social services director, denies that Ingrow Green has been neglected.

She told us: "Over the past five years we have spent more than £100,000 on repairs and maintenance.

"I have tried for the past two months, without success, to arrange a meeting with Mrs Cryer.

"I would very much like to meet her as soon as possible to ensure she has a full picture of the situation at Ingrow Green and more detailed information about possible options for the future."

Mrs Cryer is visiting the home today to chat to residents about their plight.

Children's home may

be solution - plus protest pictures and story

see Page 5

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