11:43am Friday 30th January 2004
By Michaela Robinson-Tate
THE residents of Holehird have backed a plan that could see their closure-threatened home remain open, reports Michaela Robinson-Tate.
Most of the 24 residents are supporting a letter, published in The Westmorland Gazette today, in which they sanction the aims of the New Holehird Steering Group, which is trying to raise £2.8 million to keep the home open.
The national charity Leonard Cheshire has announced its intention to pull out of the Windermere home after more than four decades, partly because it says it cannot afford to upgrade Holehird and its Oaklands home in Garstang to meet the new Care Standards Act.
However, members of the New Holehird Steering Group believe they can continue to keep the house open to provide a long-term home for the existing residents, and more respite holiday care for disabled people.
In their letter, the residents write: "If New Holehird can raise the money and achieve their aim, we will choose New Holehird, as we think it is the best plan for our future. We ask everybody to give them a year to see what they can achieve. Is a year on top of 40 years too much to ask?"
Resident and New Holehird member Carole Pouton said there had been a definite "lift in the air" at the home since the disabled residents learned of the plans.
"You can virtually feel it in the air the difference of optimism. The one thing we can't stress too much as residents is that the local community has been fantastic and the support has been overwhelming."
New Holehird member Malcolm Thorogood said they thought the residents' request for a year's grace was "wholly reasonable".
"For us, their interest is paramount so we are delighted to have been able to give them options and enable them to make choices for their future."
Mr Thorogood was due to meet regional Leonard Cheshire bosses yesterday (Thursday).
New Holehird's members hope the national charity will work with them to achieve a smooth handover of the home.
Meanwhile, MP for Westmorland and Lonsdale Tim Collins has met New Holehird members and residents at the home. He said that he had been impressed with New Holehird, and had offered assistance, including help to make contacts. "New Holehird is an opportunity for some very, very valuable work to continue to be done in a beautiful setting."
Mr Collins is due to meet Leonard Cheshire director general Bryan Dutton next week.
The rescue bid has also been backed by Liberal Democrat prospective parliamentary candidate for Westmorland and Lonsdale Tim Farron.
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