Harrogate and Knaresborough MP Phil Willis has attacked plans to close a 17th century North Yorkshire care home which has royal connections dating back to 1922.

BUPA nursing home Goldsborough Hall, Knaresborough, which cares for 37 residents, is expected to close toward the end of May because the listed Tudor building is out of step with modern standards.

The 350-year-old hall was once the home of the Queen's aunt, Princess Mary, the Princess Royal, after her marriage to Viscount Henry Lascelles.

Mr Willis is concerned that patients will now have to travel out of North Yorkshire to receive vital treatment.

The Liberal Democrat said: "I am increasingly concerned about the number of beds being lost in care homes over the last three years, particularly in the nursing home sector. This is a home with a very good reputation, and I feel very sad that another home will soon be gone."

Peter Ludford, director for BUPA Care Homes, said BUPA cannot adapt the building to better meet the needs of residents, because of the hall's age and historical value.

The building's Tudor materials make meeting fire standards difficult and 11 bedrooms do not have direct access to a lift.

Mr Ludford said: "We understand this is a very difficult time for residents and their relatives and have therefore established a team to help them find alternative accommodation. We will not close the home until the last resident has moved to their new home." Ten residents have already found alternative accommodation.

But Mr Willis remains unhappy with the situation.

He said: "I am urging the Government not to look at the sector in terms of individual homes, and to work through local authorities to guarantee a set number of places within the area."

Mr Ludford said: "We remain committed to providing care in North Yorkshire and are in the process of refurbishing Southlands Nursing Home in Harrogate in order to provide improved facilities for residents in the region."

Updated: 08:33 Wednesday, March 26, 2003