Family's battle to keep home open

Louisa Watts recently celebrated her 106th birthday

The family of a 106-year-old woman have taken a battle to keep her care home open to court.

Wolverhampton City Council wants to close Underhill House where Louisa Watts and nine other residents live.

Her son, Derek Watts, has applied to the Administrative Court in Birmingham for a judicial review into the matter.

A council spokeswoman said it was necessary to close the home, but added that the facility would not be shut until the court case was settled.

'Happy here'

Mrs Watts said she would be upset if the home closed.

Another resident, Minnie Beswick, said she has prayed for it to stay open.

"We are happy here. They are good to us."

The council spokeswoman said the home was more than 40 years old and did not meet modern care requirements.

She said the council had invested a huge amount of money in sheltered housing in the city and, where possible, would not split friends up.

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