A DOZEN old people's homes across Bradford district have been improved at the expense of Keighley's Ingrow Green.

The Bracken Bank home is now likely to close because the council does not have enough cash left for vital repairs.

Bradford's improvements fund has dwindled over the past ten years as it tried to meet ever-tighter health and safety requirements.

The fund has already paid for refurbishments at 12 out of the council's 14 homes, including Holmewood, its only other home in Keighley.

But councillors have faced increasing difficulties meeting the £1 million-plus cost of upgrading each home. Only two remain unimproved, including Ingrow Green.

Details of the cash crisis are revealed in a report due to be discussed by the council's ruling Executive next Wednesday.

The report states "the council is minded to close the residential service at Ingrow Green" and sets out problems affecting the home.

It says that while Ingrow Green would stand-up well against many of the new requirements for care, the building itself would not meet physical requirements.

Only a full £1 million refurbishment would enable the home to meet recommendations agreed last year with the fire service.

Following its meeting,, the executive is expected to embark on a two to three-month consultation period with residents, families and staff following

Discussions will also be held with local health agencies, housing associations and independent care organisations about developing services for older people in Keighley.

Opposition councillor Kris Hopkins this week blasted the way Ingrow Green has been treated by Bradford's Labour rulers over the past decade.

As deputy chairman of the council's new scrutiny committee on social issues, he plans to call for an investigation into the Ingrow Green issue.

Cllr Hopkins says: "Bradford had 36 nursing homes and sold everything but 14. The idea was that the monies raised were to be pumped into the 14.

"Yet again Keighley remains bottom of the list and now money has run out."

Cllr Hopkins adds: "We've got to work with the management, residents, relatives and people around Ingrow Green."

The council's Labour leaders have promised extensive consultation with everyone involved with the home before a final decision is made later this year.

Cllr John Godward, who is responsible for health and social care, says: "If the eventual decision is to close the home then every care will be taken to look after the interests of the residents as well as our staff.

"We must make sure the people of Keighley have good services for older people in the future and I want to see the best possible deal for them."

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