The MP for Penrith and Solway has welcomed Westmorland and Furness Council's decision to delay a crunch decision on the future of Grisedale Croft Care Home in Alston.
The council announced this week that it was postponing a Cabinet meeting at which members were due to consider the future of Grisedale Croft and Applethwaite Green in Windermere.
Councillors said they needed more time to consider more than 500 consultation responses, alongside financial information, building surveys and evidence on future care provision.
Reacting to the announcement, Markus Campbell-Savours, Labour MP for Penrith and Solway, said he hoped the delay showed residents' concerns were being heard.
He said: "I am pleased to see Westmorland and Furness Council has delayed the decision about the future of Grisedale Croft.
"Hopefully, that means they are listening to the concerns of residents.
"Isolated places like Alston have had their services gutted. We need to discuss how we protect places like this and how we make the communities more resilient - not less."
The future of Grisedale Croft has been the subject of a lengthy public consultation. The council has said no final decision has yet been taken but has highlighted concerns over the age of the building, running costs and its ability to meet future care needs.
A preferred option being explored is the continued provision of care in alternative accommodation within Alston if a suitable and financially viable building can be found.
Campaigners and local residents have argued that retaining residential care provision in Alston is vital because of the town's remote location and limited alternatives for elderly people requiring care.
The council has not yet announced a new date for Cabinet members to make a final decision on the home's future
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