Shropshire care complex residents may lose homes

Long-term residents of a Shropshire care complex could lose their homes if its owners are forced to close it down because of spiralling operating costs.

The Lady Forester Community Nursing Home and Forester's Court Sheltered Housing scheme in Much Wenlock face closure unless more than £2 million is spent on the Farley Road site.

Owners the ExtraCare Charitable Trust today announced a six-week consultation period before a final decision in July.

More than 20 people would be forced to seek alternative accommodation and 28 staff face being made redundant.

Nick Abbey, chief executive of ExtraCare, said the Lady Forester complex had made losses of £336,000 over the past five years.

He said the closure plan had been forced upon it because of the poor state of the nursing home building, the absence of any viable re-development plan or sale, and the continuing losses the trust feels it can no longer bear.

He said: "The decision to enter a period of consultation is taken with deep regret and follows an extended period of deliberation."

The trust said it is working closely with Shropshire Council to consider suitable, alternative care homes and sheltered housing accommodation.

Staff affected by the proposals would be given assistance with finding alternative employment wherever possible.