PLANS for major alterations at a council care home in Huddersfield have won a Government minister's approval.

Stephen Ladyman, a health minister with responsibility for community care, handed out the praise during a visit to Moorlands Grange home for the elderly in Netherton.

He said: "As a Government, we want to ensure that as far as possible old people have choice and quality.

"Many of them want to stay in their own homes for as long as possible.

"And when they need a care home we want to make it as comfortable as possible."

Kirklees Council has removed a closure threat hanging over Moorlands Grange and is to spend £1.5m on improvements.

Work is scheduled to start next January and take eight months.

Colne Valley MP Kali Mountford, who accompanied the minister, said the home, when renovated, could become a model for other councils to follow.

"I am delighted that Moorlands Grange is to stay and get huge improvements, in line with Government policy on community care," added Ms Mountford.

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