A KIDDERMINSTER-based MEP said he is delighted a town rehabilitation centre has been saved – four months after he revealed an initial closure plan to the public.

In October last year, UKIP’s James Carver slammed Worcestershire County Council over the proposed closure of The Grange in Sutton Park Road and urged them to reconsider the “ridiculous” plan.

The Tory-run administration announced that, instead of axing the centre, it is to be converted into a long-term residential dementia care unit, while five rehabilitation beds will be retained.

Mr Carver welcomed the news to keep The Grange, which he described as a “lifeline for people returning to independent living”.

He said: “It was a ridiculous idea to close The Grange at a time when the NHS is crying out for an end to bed blocking by elderly people who still need care, but not hospital treatment.

“I hope five beds is sufficient to meet the needs of those who require care and rehabilitation before moving back to their own homes – that is something that needs close monitoring.

“I’m pleased the centre will also be used to look after people with dementia, which, sadly, with an ageing population, is a growing problem and an area in great need of more services.

“I’m also glad other political parties in the town followed our initiative in calling for the closure plan to be rejected and that local Conservatives saw the insanity of their own party’s proposal.”

Councillor Adrian Hardman, Cabinet Member with Responsibility for Adult Social Care, said: "The prevalence of dementia is projected to significantly increase in the future by to 40 per cent by 2025.

“Cabinet members approved that The Grange will be reconfigured to provide long-term residential care for people living with complex dementia.

"The Grange will retain five beds for short-term recovery care for people discharged from hospital.

“Making these changes at The Grange means that the service will be fit for the future, the site will also be able to expand further as demand for residential dementia care increases in future."