There has been a welcome change of heart by Brighton and Hove City Council over the future of Knoll House in Ingram Crescent, Hove.

Earlier this year, the council was proposing to get rid of the 23 beds or having the residential service run by someone else after hearing it would cost up to £2 million to cover the building so it met new Government standards.

Now the authority looks certain to agree to carry out renovations so the beds can stay after all.

The council says it has listened to people after extensive consultation over the future of Knoll House and that is no doubt true. But the fact that there was vehement opposition, including a petition signed by 3,350 people, must have been a factor influencing the decision.

Another factor must have been the knowledge that this was yet another issue on which the ruling Labour group might have been defeated by the opposition linking with some of its own rebels.

There's also the fact that in the last few months bed blocking has become so severe in Brighton and Hove that the city simply cannot afford to lose any more beds for old people.

Knoll House has served the community well for more than 20 years, both as a day and residential centre. It's a bit dated now and needs renovation. The will of neighbours, residents and staff was strongly that it should remain in public hands. Whatever the reason, the council has done well to listen.