SENIOR councillors today (Tuesday February 13) agreed to launch a public consultation into the proposed closure of a council-run care home in Brampton.

Members of Cumberland Council's executive committee took the decision at a meeting in the Copeland Centre in Whitehaven.

It concerns Moot Lodge, which was described as an 18-bed residential care home which is run by Cumberland Care.

Two of Cumberland Care's homes were also considered in the review - Burnrigg Lodge in Carlisle and Eskdale House in Longtown.

Moot Lodge had been recommended for closure because it was an older building which was longer considered fit for purpose.

Speaking at the meeting councillor Lisa Brown (Currock, Labour) the deputy leader of the council, praised the work of the staff of Moot Lodge but added that the building itself was not "up to standard".

She said she had already received letters from residents in Brampton sharing their views both for and against the proposed closure.

Councillor Mark Fryer (St Johns and Great Clifton, Labour), the leader of the council, said: "It's about the residents and making sure they have a good quality facility to live in."

According to the report it would cost too much to refurbish the building which presents "significant challenges for the physically disabled".

Cllr Fryer said he had visited the building two or three times and saw that it was difficult to move residents around the four-floor building. He added: "Quality of care is its selling point but it's the only selling point.

"All these decisions are really difficult."

Members of the committee agreed with the recommendations and the public consultation is set to run for 12 weeks.

Speaking after the meeting Cllr Brown, who is the portfolio holder for adults and community health, said: "Cumberland Council is committed to putting health and wellbeing at the heart of everything we do.

"We want to deliver excellent adult social care services now and in the future. Together we will deliver services that are not only of the highest quality but also genuinely centred around the needs and strengths of individuals.

“The Cumberland Care Review will ensure there is appropriate provision which is the right size and shape to meet the needs of our residents.

"We want everyone in Cumberland to live better, healthier, and more independently throughout their lives. The Cumberland Care Review will help us to achieve that vision.

“We will be supporting and encouraging residents, families, carers, staff, general public, partners and Trade Unions to have their say through the public consultation to ensure our proposals meet the needs of our communities.”

Councillor Mike Mitchelson (Brampton, Conservative) originally called for a public meeting because he felt residents should have a say and there was a need for council-run adult social care provision in the town.

Speaking last week he said: "To suddenly find out that Moot Lodge is in danger of closing would leave a big hole in Brampton for local people.

"A lot of people who have ended up residing in Moot Lodge are from the community and the position of Moot Lodge in the centre of the town means they can still remain part of the community."

Cllr Mitchelson said that it was important that residents had their say and took part in the council consultation.