Closed home ‘ideal for care service’

Boston House could be reopened to cater for young adults with complex needs

 A DISUSED building in Hathershaw could soon reopen to help young people who have complex health and learning disabilities.

Boston House, a former Old People’s home which closed at the beginning of the year, could provide a vital new service in the borough.

Currently, some local parents have to help transport their vulnerable children to a placement outside the area, as no escort service is provided.

Oldham Council’s cabinet members are meeting next Monday evening to decide on the building’s future.

Other options for the Broadway Street site are to advertise the premises on the open market for sale or to demolish the building for possible further development.

Councillor Phil Harrison, cabinet member for adult social services and health, said: “There is huge potential value in this proposal because it would enable these young adults to stay within the borough and their existing peer groups, offering them greater independence and future employability.

“There would also be many obvious benefits to the lives of their parents and carers.

“While it stands empty Boston House is costing Oldham Council money to maintain and keep it secure, and this proposal could offer the ideal solution.”

If approved, the council will enter into a 10-year lease agreement with a local not-for-profit provider.

The new facility would offer 18 to 24-year-olds life skills that encourage independence, health and well-being activities — plus a service that would support the young people on their road to employment.

Oldham College currently provides 16-hour placements for these young adults, but by working alongside the proposed new provider this could rise to 25 hours a week