THE father of Acomb Gables campaigner David Alexander will today be moved out of the York facility.

War hero Norman Alexander, 83, who suffers from severe dementia, has been found a place at Cherry Tree House, in Tang Hall, by Primary Care Trust (PCT) managers.

Father-of-five David Alexander, from Tang Hall, has led the campaign to keep open the mental health unit in Oak Rise, Acomb, as he feared a move could kill his dad.

Mr Alexander today conceded that the battle was over, but vowed to monitor Norman's health for signs of deterioration.

The Selby and York PCT board voted unanimously to close Acomb Gables - despite huge opposition from families of patients being treated there.

Campaigners claimed it was made for purely financial reasons because the PCT is heavily in debt, but health bosses said they wanted to channel funds into an expanded home care service for mentally-ill people living in the community.

"I've been fighting a losing battle from the start," said Mr Alexander.

"I received a letter saying they were moving my dad because building work was set to start on Acomb Gables.

"Cherry Tree House is not suitable, but what can I do? The battle is lost, but I will be monitoring his health."

Mr Alexander wrote to the Queen, Prime Minister Tony Blair and Health Secretary Patricia Hewitt to make them aware of the issue and ask them to investigate but is yet to hear anything back.

"I've just got to hope my dad will be all right," he said.

"I'm annoyed because it has all been cut and dried from the beginning."

The Evening Press previously reported that Gary Millard, the PCT's director of mental health and social inclusion, said it may use part of Acomb Gables as offices for the new community teams. Patients at the PCT's mental health facility at Stray Garth, Heworth, York, may also be moved into Oak Rise.

Mr Millard said these patients were predominantly people being rehabilitated for more minor mental health issues and posed no danger to the community.

Updated: 09:54 Thursday, February 02, 2006