Care homes' revamps 'could cost millions'
GoogleRefurbishing two care homes could cost several million pounds, a council has claimed as it launched a consultation over the sites' future.
Westmorland and Furness Council began talks over the future of Applethwaite Green in Windermere and Grisedale Croft in Alston on Thursday.
It said no decision on the future of the two sites had yet been reached and it hoped the 12-week consultation would allow it to gather views and understand the potential impacts of any future changes.
The council's care services assistant director Nikkie Phipps said she "strongly" encouraged anyone with an interest in the care homes to take part in the consultation.
The local authority said it would cost up to £6m to refurbish both sites to modern standards with en-suites.
Several consultation drop-in events are being held in June and July for residents to attend.
Phipps said: "We understand that beginning a consultation on the future of these services may understandably cause concern for residents, their families and our staff and we are committed to managing this process with sensitivity, transparency and respect."
The council said final decisions over the care homes would be made later this year.
