Holcroft House closure up for debate after protests

Campaigners have been fighting tirelessly against the closure of Holcroft House.

Now, Southampton City Council is set to debate the future of the Thornhill care home.

Campaigners are fighting to save Holcroft House in Southampton from closure (Image: Newsquest)

Concerned campaigner Lisa Stead said: "It is in the best interests of the residents of Holcroft House that their home stays open.

“Necessary work on the building can be very carefully managed to cause minimal disruption.

“The council must recognise that the families of residents want Holcroft House to stay open, and the citizens of Southampton want it to stay open too."

READ MORE: Families hold protest against plans to close last council-run care home

The campaign group 'Holcroft Defenders' launched a petition demanding the council to review its closure plan.

In nine days, 1,350 people signed the document, which, together with an online petition of 250 signatures organised by Unite the Union, triggered the council debate.

Petition organiser Linda Hayes said: "Everyone we approached was keen to sign our petition.

“People are disgusted with the Labour council's heartless plan to shut down Holcroft House."

The care home is under threat of closure following a fire safety assessment in 2021.

The assessment identified several issues and extensive work needs to be carried out.

This would cost in the region of £4.5million, according to Cllr Lorna Fielker, deputy leader and Cabinet member for health.

Amanda Guest, one of the campaigners, said Cllr Fielker "failed spectacularly to make the case for closure" at a recent meeting of the Overview and Scrutiny Management Committee.

Families of residents of Holcroft House, staff and campaigners grilled Cllr Fielker for almost two hours, insisting that evidence be provided to support her claims, according to the campaign group.

The council is set to debate the plans on September 20.