Speaker Pledges Support for Lancashire Care Home Under Threat

Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle has pledged his full support to campaigners fighting proposals that could see a care home in his constituency close its doors.

Grove House, a 47-bed residential facility located in Adlington, Chorley, has become the focal point of local opposition after Lancashire County Council included it amongst ten elderly care facilities currently under formal review as part of cost-saving measures.

The Speaker has publicly declared his determination to campaign against the potential closure, describing any decision to shut the facility as completely unacceptable.

He has called upon council officials to prioritise investment in the home rather than pursue closure plans that would displace vulnerable residents from what he described as their final place of residence.

Sir Lindsay joined local residents at a demonstration held earlier this month, where he voiced concerns about the impact on both families and those living at the facility. Speaking to regional media this week, he emphasised the home’s significance to the local area and questioned whether forcing elderly residents to relocate aligned with community values.

The county council’s review encompasses four additional residential care homes across Lancashire: Favordale home situated on Byron Road in Colne, Milbanke Care Home in Kirkham, Thornton House in Thornton Cleveleys, and Woodlands in Clayton-le-Moors.

Five day centres are also included in the consultation: Byron View (Colne), Derby Centre (Ormskirk), Teal Close (Thornton Cleveleys), Milbanke Day Centre (Kirkham), and Vale View (Lancaster).

A spokesperson for Lancashire County Council stated that the authority remains focused on achieving improved outcomes for service users whilst maintaining fiscal responsibility. The council has encouraged members of the public to participate in the ongoing consultation process before any final determinations are made.

A definitive decision regarding the future of all ten facilities is scheduled for February 2025.