Care homes saved after closure threat

Two Somerset care homes under threat of closure have been saved.

Somerset Care said it has confirmed the exchange of contracts to transfer ownership of its Sunnymeade care home in Chard and its Critchill Court care home in Frome, to Agincare (Somerset) Limited.

A statement said: “Following the announcement of the proposed closure of these two care homes on 28th February, Agincare put forward a proposal to acquire the two care home businesses from Somerset Care, and take on the lease of the buildings from Somerset Council. Following assessment of this proposal by our solicitors, contracts have now been exchanged between Somerset Care and Agincare.

“We have communicated this update with our staff teams, residents and their relatives.”

The news of the threatened closures had prompted an outcry from local councillors, who vowed to fight the closures and put residents’ concerns at the forefront of any agreed solution.

Somerset Council – which commissions adult social care support, including residential placements in care homes – said residents’ wellbeing was “our top priority”.

Following the announcement, Sarah Dyke, Liberal Democrat MP for Somerton and Frome, said: “Having met recently with staff at Critchill Court and heard from them how unsettling this period has been, particularly for residents, I’m delighted by the news that contracts have now been exchanged.

“Those who call Critchill Court and Sunnymeade home have peace of mind in knowing they can stay and, as a result of this announcement, the staff with whom they’ve built relationships have job security.

“This is the best possible outcome for all concerned and I’m very grateful to Somerset Council, particularly Mel Lock, Executive Director of Adult Services, for facilitating it.”