PLANS have been submitted to demolish a soon-to-close Wirral care home, even though residents are still living there.

Councillors voted to close Girtrell Court centre, in Saughall Massie, in November with the aim of saving the authority £155,000.

Services will transfer to a new purpose-built facility in Tollemache Road, Birkenhead, run by Sanctuary Housing. Residents are still living at the centre as preparation work continues at the new site.

However, it emerged today that the council has submitted plans to demolish Girtrell Court's premises.

Ward councillor Chris Blakeley, who campaigned for the care home to remain open, said: "It seems those at the top of this Council haven't given a second thought for those people who are still at Girtrell Court and who, for various reasons, have yet to found anything that is better than what they have at the moment.

"We are talking about people who, every day, struggle and need help with the most basic aspects of life.

"This whole issue has been incredibly stressful and upsetting for them, their carers and their close relatives.

"For the council to submit a planning application this week to demolish the entire building is, frankly, just about as low as anyone could get.

"They couldn't even wait until the building was empty".

Last week campaigners failed in a last-ditch attempt to halt the closure of Girtrell Court.

During an extraordinary council meeting, councillors heard claims that alternative services Girtrell Court fell 'well short' of what was promised.

Cllr Blakeley tabled a defeated notice of motion during the meeting, which called for a halt to the closure and investment of £1million in the 20-bed facility.

The centre was rated 'Good' by the Care Quality Commission and has provided much-needed respite care and long-stay accommodation for some of Wirral’s most vulnerable and disabled adults.

A council spokesperson said: "For over a year now, the council has maintained that we are determined to increase the choice of services available to people who need respite support.

"If people want traditional, bed-based respite services – then they can choose to have them.

"If they want something different – a short break, a holiday somewhere else, or a completely different type of support – then we will endeavour to provide that, too.

"When our entire budget for this type of service is tied up in one building, Girtrell Court, then we are unable to offer people the kind of choice they want.

"This is why we made the difficult decision to move respite services away from Girtrell Court.

"The services which were provided there will, in the future, be provided at the new facility on Tollemache Road.

"This facility is purpose-designed, and will provide those people who want traditional respite care with an excellent service.

"While finishing touches are being made to the new facility, we are continuing to provide respite care out of the building on Girtrell Court.

"When the new building is available, we will review all possible options available to make the best use of the Girtrell Court site.

"Clearly, nothing will be done with the site while it is still being used to provide respite services".

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