Campaigners fighting to save two dementia care homes from privatisation have been given new hope.
The Save Our Kirklees Dementia Care Homes group lost a judicial review at the High Court last year but have now been given permission to appeal the decision.
Families have been fighting to prevent the sale of Kirklees Council’s two remaining dementia care homes – Castle Grange in Newsome and Claremont House in Heckmondwike – since 2023.
Campaigner Sara Blagbrough went to this week’s council Cabinet meeting to ask councillors why they were pressing ahead with a transfer of the homes to a private operator which had just received a ‘requires improvement’ CQC rating for one of its homes.
Councillors had promised they would only transfer the homes to a “quality” operator and couldn’t explain why they were still going ahead despite what Sara described as a “damning” CQC report which raised questions about safeguarding and patient dignity.
A statement from campaigners said: “We are overjoyed to receive the news that the court has allowed us the opportunity to challenge the High Court decision to allow the sale of the homes.
“Our legal team representing Brenda Hughes, a resident of Castle Grange, always believed we had grounds for appeal and this has now been vindicated.
“The injunction preventing Kirklees from selling the homes until the appeal process is concluded remains in place.
“This means Castle Grange and Claremont House remain in public hands – and residents stay protected.”
The statement added: “We maintain that these homes are not merely surplus council assets. They are deeply valued community services providing essential, specialist dementia care.
“The homes are highly rated by inspectors and are treasured by residents, families, dedicated staff and the broader community alike.
“They represent dignity, stability and compassion in later life. This is why we, as campaigners, have fought so hard and long for them.
“We only wish Kirklees Council valued them in the same way.”
A spokesman for Kirklees Council said: “We respect the right of individuals and groups to pursue legal challenge in relation to the decision to transfer Castle Grange and Claremont House.
“As this matter is now subject to ongoing legal proceedings, it would not be appropriate for the council to comment further at this stage.
“The quality and continuity of care for residents remain our priority, and we will continue to ensure they receive safe, high-quality support.”
Kirklees Council’s preferred bidder for the two homes is Mulberry Care Homes, which operates three other care homes in Huddersfield and Holmfirth.
One of them, White Rose House in Thongsbridge, was given a ‘requires improvement’ verdict by independent inspectors after a visit last October.
