THE brakes should be put on closure plans for two York care homes, the city centre's MP has said.

Rachael Maskell has written to the city council about their consultation on the future of Oakhaven and Grove House care homes, saying the timetables are far too fast.

A consultation on the two homes is due to close on Friday, with a decision on whether to close them due just two weeks later.

The York Central MP said: "The closure of two care homes in York will impact on a great many people and I do not want decisions to be taken in a hurry. There is a clear need for the extension of the transition period for residents so their needs can be put first, whether physical, emotional or psychological."

She added: "I am particularly concerned about the closure of Oakhaven as this will leave the west of York without any local authority provision. Families have said that they will no longer be able to pop in to see mum or dad if they are moved to the other side of the city, which is one proposal."

Ms Maskell urged the council to look again at building a new care home on the Lowfields site in Acomb - an option which was dropped in favour of more housing last year - before agreeing to close Oakhaven.

All residents in York care homes and people going in to residential care should be told about what is happening to their future home and given choices now so they do not have to face the trauma of moving again, she added.