The decision to axe Goyt Valley House in New Mills and six other Derbyshire care homes has come under fire in the High Peak. 

Derbyshire County Council's cabinet are expected to rubber-stamp the move at a meeting on Thursday (5 May) and follow the recommendations being made. 

The report to Cabinet states that even if the repairs, costing £31 million, were carried out, the seven homes are no longer fit for purpose, do not have space for essential equipment and cannot be adapted to provide high-quality care to older people with increasingly complex needs. 

High Peak’s Conservative MP Robert Largan said he was “deeply disappointed” with the outcome. 

“While this has been a bitterly disappointment outcome, I want to thank everyone who has worked so hard to campaign to keep Goyt Valley House open, including the huge number of local people who responded to the public consultation. I am only sorry that we didn't succeed.” 

He says he has already met with the council to discuss Goyt Valley House and has been given a number of commitments. 

These include residents being able to choose where to relocate to, and for the Council to provide appropriate top-up funding for additional costs at a new care home. Travel allowance funding is also to be put in place to ensure family and friends can still visit. 

He said: “I intend to hold the Council to commitments that they have made. I firmly believe that we need to expand and improve our local care home provision.  

“I will be making the case for more investment and the need to provide more new world class care homes locally.  

He has vowed to continue to support resident, families, and the ‘amazing’ staff at Goyt Valley House. 

Labour's Whaley Bridge county councillor Ruth George said the move to close Goyt Valley House and the six others was “absolutely appalling.” 

Criticising the council, the former High Peak MP said: “They have lost millions of pounds by preventing people in desperate need of permanent or respite care from using these homes.  

“There weren’t even enough safe places available locally for the remaining residents of Goyt Valley House. 

“This is such a worrying time for them, their families and all the staff who work so hard and give brilliant service.” 

She said the closure was 'a betrayal' and the residents, their families and staff won’t forget the 'cynical' move by the Tory-led council. 

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