SAD DAY AS CARE HOME CLOSES

The trustees of Melbourne Hall estate issued a statement which outlined the background to the closure and explained that “discussions took place with the management of the home, Pool Cottage Ltd, on the feasibility of paying a market rent,” which “the operators were not able to meet”

The statement went on to add that a fund of £100K was to be set up, to be administered by a committee of nominated persons, to enable grants aimed at the needs of the older community

A spokesperson for the Hall Estate was keen to emphasise that this was an amicable mutual decision made by both the hall and the current owners as the offer of a new lease on a commercial rent was declined

“The estate fully understands the strength of feeling around this difficult decision and the impact on the community,” he added, saying that the offer of the fund by Lord Ralph Kerr, which had been discussed for some months already, would be used to the benefit of the local elderly population

Rumours about turning the home into a hotel or family home were dismissed as “no decision has been taken on its future use”

Family members of residents say their relatives were devastated and upset by the news, and they have had an anxious and distressing time trying to source alternative accommodation for them

They are angered by the absence of any consultation and the apparent lack of compassion in the decision to terminate the lease

Families are also having to find additional funds to cover the cost of new places and high costs (over £600) for ambulance transfers One