Keighley's last traditional council-run old people's home is likely to close because it does not meet health and safety standards.

Council chiefs admit Ingrow Green would fail a fire safety inspection and does not meet new requirements governing the size of rooms. Bradford is looking at various solutions including building a state-of-the-art new home to avoid the £1 million cost of improvements.

Council officers were this week outlining the situation to staff and residents of relatives in a series of meetings. The home will remain open for at least the next few months while consultations are carried out over the best way forward.

Alison O'Sullivan, the council's acting assistant director of community care, stresses safety is not being compromised at Ingrow Green.

John Godward, the councillor responsible for health and social care, promises facilities would definitely be improved in Keighley.

Ingrow Green, on Staveley Road, was built 30 years ago and currently has 29 long-stay residents. Around 20 other elderly people use the remaining five beds for respite care.

Cllr Godward this week confirmed that closing Ingrow Green is one of the options. "We can't go on any longer with the building not being up to standard. The care at Ingrow Green is excellent, but staff are being asked to work in conditions that are not acceptable in this day and age. We're asking elderly people to live in those conditions too.

"We don't meet the fire regulations and we're risking a closure order."

Mr Godward says one option is to work with a housing association to build a new complex offering up-to-date standards of care. "Our intention is to provide Keighley with the best accommodation for elderly people in Bradford district. Keighley is not going to be left with nothing."

Irene Ellison-Wood, chairman of Keighley Area Panel and a former social services chairman, pledges to keep an eye on the consultation process.

She adds: "I hope something rises out of the ashes that will be perfect for people who need care. That old home has been a friend to so many people."

Social services staff will next week present the possible options for Ingrow Green to the council's new ruling "cabinet", the Executive Committee.

A public consultation proc-ess will then begin, and in about three months the results will be reported back for a final decision.

Relatives and close friends of residents were this week sent letters about the possible changes and invited to talk to staff about the best way to inform their loved ones in the home.

Mrs O'Sullivan met with her staff at Ingrow Green and promised that management would work closely with trade unions.

Cllr Godward adds: "I would like to assure staff and relatives that they will be fully involved in the consultation process at every stage."

Any relative or friend who has not yet met with staff should phone the manager of Ingrow Green on 602854.

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