𝓤𝓷𝓲𝓽𝓮𝓭 𝓝𝓮𝔀𝓼

Residents of an under-threat care home set up as a promise by Winston Churchill for Polish forces after World War II have described a “deep sense of betrayal” in Keir Starmer’s Government now the site faces possible closure. Ilford Park Polish Home in Stover, Devon, was one of 45 resettlement camps established across the nation after the war under the Polish Resettlement Act, later known as Churchill’s Promise.

Churchill praised Polish forces who fought alongside Britain against the Nazis and said the UK would “never forget the debt they owe to the Polish troops who have served them so valiantly”. Ilford Park Polish Home is the only remaining resettlement camp after many changed purpose over the years.

But now this last physical manifestation of Churchill’s stirring words is under threat as the scheme could be shut by the Ministry of Defence (MoD) by 2028, the Sunday Telegraph reports.

Czesław Siegieda’s mother Helena spent time at Ilford Park before she died aged 93 in 2016. He told the Sunday Telegraph: “All residents moved to other care homes would likely feel a deep sense of betrayal by the British government, and suffer mental and emotional damage as a result.”

Consultation on the future of the site ends on June 6.

The consultation proposals come despite a statement from the MoD in January saying it that as the 80th anniversary of Churchill’s Promise approaches in 2027, the MoD remained committed to honouring the historic pledge.

At present Ilford Park continues to welcome eligible applicants, ensuring that those who qualify receive the care and community they deserve. Clare Thomas, the Home Manager, said in January: “We are incredibly proud of all that we do to support this unique group of people. Despite the increasing age of the people who live at Ilford Park, it remains a vibrant home, full of life where old friends reconnect, and new friendships are made.”

According to Veterans UK, 45 Polish resettlement camps were established across Great Britain. The home that would become Ilford Park opened in 1948 at Stover Camp in Devon, on the site of a hospital originally built for anticipated D-Day casualties among American troops. Over the decades, it evolved from a resettlement facility into a residential care and nursing home. Following a ministerial commitment in 1987, a new purpose-built home was opened in December 1992.

Known affectionately as “Little Poland” by residents, the local Devon community, and Polish organisations, the home maintains strong ties to Polish heritage and traditions. Over 2,500 people and their families have called it home since its founding.

Today, Ilford Park is home to 40 residents with an average age of 91. At least 30% of staff are bilingual, and a Polish priest lives on-site, conducting daily Mass in the chapel. Constitution Day and Polish Independence Day are celebrated alongside British occasions.

The criteria for admission to the home under the Polish Resettlement Act 1947 are; those who fought with the Polish Armed Forces under British command, Poles registered after 31 August 1939, under the Aliens Order 1920 who had been permitted to enter the UK because of circumstances attributable to World War II, including having been in concentration/labour camps or being unable to return to Poland due to political changes and finally, the spouses and dependents of the above categories.

In a statement to the Sunday Telegraph the MoD the consultation process was part of “prudent planning”, adding that over time the “numbers of occupants will inevitably fall”.

It added the MoD has the “deepest respect and gratitude for the Polish veterans and their families”.