PM backs bid to save care home

Louisa Watts has said she would be sad to leave the home

Prime Minister Gordon Brown has urged Wolverhampton City Council to reconsider its decision to close a care home where a 106-year-old woman lives.

Family and friends of Louisa Watts and other residents have campaigned to keep Underhill House open after the council decided to close it.

Last week, a businessman's offer of £80,000 to keep it open for another year was rejected by the council.

Mr Brown said he hoped the council would reconsider.

'Generous offer'

Speaking in the House of Commons, in response to issues raised by Wolverhampton North East MP Ken Purchase, Mr Brown said: "Having heard of the case of Louisa Watts and her friends in the care home, I hope the council will reconsider and accept the very generous offer that has been made to them to keep Louisa Watts and her friends in her home for another year."

Mr Purchase had asked Mr Brown to make room in the Queens Speech for a measure that will protect very old people and in the meantime to look at Louisa Watts' case.

The council has not yet responded to Mr Brown's comments but has previously said the home is not fit for its purpose.

Work is under way to close the home and re-house its nine residents.