Andrea Leadsom Writes to WNC Leader and CEO on Ridgway House

I am very disappointed with the decision by the WNC Cabinet to shut down Ridgway House care home.

I believe this decision shows a total lack of regard for the Towcester community and the 15 vulnerable elderly residents who will now be forced to leave their homes.

I have written to Council Leader Cllr Jonathan Nunn and CEO Anna Earnshaw to raise my concerns, the full text is below:

Dear Jonathan and Anna,

I am writing to express my deep disappointment in the decision to close Ridgway House Care Home at Tuesday's Cabinet meeting.

During the brief period in which the petition to Save Ridgway House was open, residents passionately demonstrated the vital role this excellent facility plays in the lives of people in Towcester. The decision to disregard both my endeavours and the voices of Towcester residents, by refusing to postpone the closure vote until the next meeting reflects a total disregard for the Towcester community and the 15 vulnerable elderly residents who are now compelled to leave their homes.

Jonathan, our detailed discussion last Friday regarding the closure raised several critical questions that remain unanswered:

1. What is the estimated cost of renovating the ground floor to create up to 22 rooms? This would avoid the cost and disruption of installing a lift to the first floor, which could then be used for other community purposes.

2. What is the estimated cost of renovating the first and second floor and installing a lift, thereby creating up to 44 rooms?

3. What evidence is there that all care rooms need to have en suite bathrooms? (A key reason given by officers for needing to close the home). Is this a legal requirement?

4. What assurances can the council offer regarding the affordability of the rate provided by the private market, especially considering the dynamic market rate of self-funded care places

5. Please will you publish the complete process and all related documents pertaining to the closure discussion, as well as the responses received during the consultation?

Your urgent attention to these concerns and a detailed response to each point raised would be greatly appreciated. The community is eager for clarity on these matters, and your engagement will undoubtedly contribute to addressing the anger and disappointment of my constituents.

Moreover, residents would appreciate detailed information on West Northamptonshire Council's plans for the facility post-closure. I am aware that the track record of closed care homes in West Northamptonshire is not one to be proud of, with previously closed homes left abandoned and in an increasing state of disrepair. Given this, it is essential that such a fate is prevented for Ridgway House, and the local community should have a say or the ability to purchase the property for community use.

I anticipate your detailed response to the concerns outlined above.