An old people's home has been singled out for closure.

As predicted in the Oxford Mail last week, Oseney Court, in Botley Road, Oxford, has been recommended for closure - while Iffley House, in Iffley Turn, looks set to survive.

Oxfordshire Social Services announced last month that one of the two homes had to close as part of £10.5m cuts over the next three years.

Following three weeks of public consultation, a report to the county council's social services committee - which meets tomorrow to finalise the cuts - says Oseney Court is the most suitable for closure. Campaigners now have less than 24 hours to persuade councillors not to take the advice of professional social services managers.

Cllr Fiona Campbell, a west Oxford councillor and member of the social services committee, said: "As a west Oxford councillor I am opposed to the closure - but it does not look good.

"It is quite wrong to close Oseney Court because it is the only home on this side of the city.

"I have been working very hard to see if we can find an alternative and will be talking to the county treasurer right up to the last minute.

"But the fact remains that the county council has to balance its budget." In her report to councillors, Mary Robertson, the director of Oxfordshire Social Services, said Oseney Court was well run. But, she said both Iffley House and Oseney Court were well-run and provided a high level of care.

But she wrote: "It is impossible to overlook the fact that Oseney Court has a community base which has been steadily dwindling over the years since the home was built. "Its exposed site and heavy local traffic are factors that lead many potential residents to choose homes elsewhere in the city."

Campaigners will hand over a petition against the closure with more than 2,000 signatures before tomorrow's meeting. Mrs Jan Lovegrove, the manager of Oseney Court, said she was unaware of the report recommending the home for the axe.

Councillors are expected to grant a temporary reprieve to Kidlington Family Centre and three disability respite centres at tomorrow's meeting.

Story date: Monday 15 March

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