A dozen old people's homes have been improved at the expense of Keighley's Ingrow Green, according to a report due to go before Bradford Council.

The Bracken Bank home is now likely to close because the Council does not have enough cash left for vital repairs, members of its ruling Executive will be told. Its improvements fund has dwindled over the past ten years as it has tried to meet 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 Executive next Wednesday. The report states: "The Council is minded to close the residential service at Ingrow Green." It says that while Ingrow Green would stand up well against many of the new requirements for care, only a full £1 million refurbishment would enable the home to meet recommendations agreed last year with the Fire Service.

Councillor Kris Hopkins, deputy chairman of the Council's new Scrutiny Committee on social issues, plans to call for an investigation.

Councillor John Godward, Executive member for health and social care, said: "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.''

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