Council gets a carpeting over work on axed Wallasey care home

Sep 24 2008 by Carrie Catterall, Wallasey News

THOUSANDS of pounds are being spent on redecorating care homes facing closure.

Decorators have been called in to Poulton House in Wallasey and Feltree House, Beechwood - despite Feltree House being earmarked for closure next year and the future of Poulton House being “under discussion”.

Workers have spent two weeks fitting new carpets throughout both care homes and painting walls.

Wirral Council is planning a massive shake-up of adult social services and wants to localise intermediate care and contract more beds from the independent sector, saving it £650,000.

Kevin McKenna, of Wallasey, has been taking his mother to Feltree House for two years.

He said: “This redecoration defies logic.

“There was nothing wrong with the place before they brought in the painters and fitted new carpets.

“I would never waste money redecorating my own house if I was going to move out six months later.

“It doesn’t make sense for the council to say it is closing down places like this to save money when it is wasting money on redecoration - this money could have been spent in a much wiser way.”

A spokesman for Wirral Council said: “Feltree is due to close next year but no decision has been made over the fate of Poulton House.

“Minor maintenance is needed at both properties in order to make sure standards are met for people currently using the services.

“This has been funded by a Dignity in Care grant.”

Cllr Moira McLaughlin, cabinet member for adult social care and inclusion, said: “I think if people are going to be staying in the place for a few months, then it’s still nice for them to live in decent surroundings.”