THE last two council-run homes for the elderly in Middlesbrough are to close.
Levick House and the Albert Cocks home will close by August 1.
Middlesbrough Council is to arrange for residents and their families to attend an open day at a home opening in Marton Road.
Councillor Brenda Thompson, executive member for social care, told a meeting of the council's executive the two council-run homes would not meet minimum standards being introduced next April.
"I want the maximum standards for Middlesbrough residents. The cost of bringing Levick House and the Albert Cocks home to minimum standards would be prohibitive," said Coun Thompson.
She said the opening of the new home in Marton Road provided a window of opportunity to allow residents to stay together.
Coun Thompson said the possibility of providing an extra care development for the elderly on the Levick House site was being looked at. No plans had yet been made for the future of the Albert Cocks site.
About 70 staff work at the two homes and consultation is taking place with them about redeployment.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article