A FINAL decision over the future of an under-threat care home in Southampton is set to be made in summer.

Civic chiefs at Southampton City Council are set to discuss the future of Glen Lee care home in Bitterne and Holcroft House in Thornhill at a cabinet meeting in July, according to Lorna Fielker- cabinet member for adult care at the city council.

The news comes after a row broke out and Unions thretaend strike action from authority-employed staff after the city council had highlighted the closure of the two care homes as its preferred options – cutting more than 70 jobs and saving more than £1.3 million a year in the process.

As reported, the city council made a U-turn and said it will now look to keep Holcroft House open, giving residents at the Glen Lee site the option to move to Holcroft House.

Cllr Fielker had previously said that the while the quality of care at Glen Lee is great, the facilities no longer meet modern standards.

Now she added: “We are currently doing a consultation of staff , then following that,  we will make a final decision at July cabinet meeting.”

The city council confirmed that both care homes will remain open until a final decision is made.

A spokesperson for the authority said: “A staff consultation started on 8 April 2019 and will run until 20 May 2019, in which staff at both homes are being asked to consider whether they would like a job at Holcroft House, if they would like to be considered for alternative jobs at the council or if they would like to take voluntary redundancy. Current residents of Glen Lee will be supported to move to Holcroft House or an alternative home of their choice.

” This will be completed gradually after the final decision and we are working with relatives to keep them informed and understand their preferences.”

The Govermance Committee is set to be given an update over the closure in principle of Glen Lee care home and the associated re-provision of care and support for residents at Holcroft House at its next meeting on Monday April 15.