Home to close after failed challenge

Residents of an older people’s home in St Leonards on Sea, East
Sussex, have lost their High Court bid to keep their home
open.

East Sussex Council’s proposal to close the Moreton Centre had been
challenged by its seven residents as well as by more than 100 older
people who use it for respite and day care.

Mr Justice Maurice Kay ruled that the council had properly
consulted the residents and all other “interested parties” before
deciding that the centre had to be closed.

In addition, he rejected claims that the council had failed to take
into account statistics indicating that older people who are moved
from homes face a much higher risk of mortality.

He said it was now for the council to manage the closure of the
home.