Reopening of Benjamin Court backed by Cromer council

In June, Norfolk County Council closed its reablement service at Benjamin Court in Cromer.

It provided short-stay rehabilitation for people well enough to be discharged from hospital, but not well enough to return home.

However, Norfolk County Council decided to shut the Benjamin Court facility as part of plans to offer a similar aftercare service at people’s homes.

In a meeting on Thursday (August 3), Cromer Town Council unanimously voted to back plans to reopen the service and called for North Norfolk MP Duncan Baker, to organise a public meeting on the controversial closure.

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Demonstrations over the closure of Benjamin Court, in Cromer (Image: Supplied)

Martin Booth, secretary of the North Norfolk Trade Unions, who organised the protest, said: “There were powerful contributions from members of the public at the meeting, as well as from town councillors themselves, about the important role of Benjamin Court in supporting those leaving hospital.

“North Norfolk District Council members plan to refer the matter to the Norfolk County Council Health Oversight and Scrutiny Committee (HOSC) when more information is received, which paves the way for the closure decision to be referred to the Secretary of State.”

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Last month, more than 30 protesters joined a rally against the closure held in Cromer.

Norfolk County Council says concentrating on care in the home would allow an extra 1,500 people to be cared for in 2023.

The council also plans to close a similar service at Grays Fair Court in Costessey.

Mr Baker said he had not yet had a chance to speak about the closure, but he would respond shortly.

Another meeting is taking place on August 14.