Star And Garter Home To Close!

12.00.00am GMT Wed 21st Jan 2004

Jenny Tonge, Liberal Democrat MP for Richmond Park, reacted with sadness today to the news that the Governors of the Royal Star and Garter Home on Richmond Hill are to consult on plans to leave its current building and move residents to new, purpose-built smaller homes.

The MP said: "It is terribly sad news that the Star and Garter Home will be closed and not used for its current purpose. No doubt the building itself will be preserved and put to another use."

"Everyone in Richmond will be devastated to see it go, but we fully understand, however, that for modern nursing care, a different sort of building would be much more economical and efficient to run."

"The current building is very out of date by today's standards, has so much unused space and is extremely difficult to heat."

Dr Tonge will meet the Chief Executive of the Home, Lynn McDougall, this Friday, January 23rd to discuss the plans for the Home and its residents. For further information please contact Jenny Tonge on pager number 07699 734071 or Serena Hennessy on: 020 8332 7919

Notes for Editors: Details of the proposals can be found at: www.starandgarter.org