IN the article about residents of Brentwood Lodge Elderly Persons Home, Leyburn, moving to the Extra Care Scheme, reporter Joe Willis referred to Brentwood as a nursing home (D&S Times, Feb 12). He went on to report concerns that people with dementia in Brentwood were not being supported to move to the scheme.

This is not the case. Brentwood Lodge is not a nursing home, but a residential home. People requiring nursing care would not have been catered for at Brentwood.

North Yorkshire County Council and Broadacres Housing Association are currently working in partnership to ensure that the needs of all current residents in Brentwood Lodge Elderly Persons Home are identified. Both parties are committed to ensuring that residents who are currently living in Brentwood will have a smooth transition into their new accommodation in the Leyburn Extra Care Scheme with the care and support they need.

All residents are being assessed as part of the transition to ensure they are able to live positive and safe lives in their new homes. All residents currently able to live well in Brentwood, a residential home, including those with dementia, will move into the Extra Care Scheme which has specialist facilities to support people living with dementia.

If the assessment shows a resident’s needs have changed to require nursing care rather than residential care, and that they would not have been able to stay in Brentwood in any case, other options may be considered.

The upmost priority for both organisations is to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all residents throughout this process.

Richard Webb, Corporate Director for Health and Adult Services, North Yorkshire County Council

AFTER reading Joe Willis’ report (D&S Times, Feb 12) regarding care for the elderly in Wensleydale, I have to say I feel concerned. It would appear that elderly people with a high level of dependency will have to be cared for in residential homes miles away from friends and families.

Anyone who does not own a car, or is unable to drive, will find it difficult to visit friends and relatives accommodated outside the Dale, as we have a much reduced public transport service.

No doubt the reasons for the new arrangements for elderly care and public transport are due to a lack of funding. Nevertheless, it is a highly unsatisfactory state of affairs.

Kathlyn D Scott, Leyburn

THERE is an old saying that "money talks". I think it must have been screaming at the top of its voice recently in Wensleydale when some ignorant planning decisions were made.

Who in their right mind would have thought of building an old people's home beside a major road which would have to be crossed twice every time they wanted to go out? The crossing would have to be traffic light controlled as a lot of drivers do not know what a zebra crossing is.

I disagree with holding joint meetings of all parties concerned as this brings out what I call "the nodding donkey brigade" as can be seen on televised government meetings.

If Joe Willis' article (D&S Times, Feb 12) is correct, there is still time for a re-think on the future of Brentwood Lodge. It is the future well-being of sick and elderly people that is being dealt with here.

The old adage "it's never too late" still holds good. So, come on the strong Yorkshire people of Wensleydale and tell the people of County Hall that enough is enough and we do not want or like your proposal.

Tom Knowles, temporary resident at Brentwood Lodge, Leyburn