Shock as care home closures are announced

THREE Plymouth old people's homes are set to close, leaving residents looking for somewhere else to live.

- WILLIAM TELFORD

The charitable Abbeyfield Society has announced the closures of sheltered accommodation in Plymstock and Hartley and, it is understood, Ivybridge, after a rescue bid failed.

Residents and staff members were told at a series of meetings this week that, after nearly a year in limbo as consultations went on, Abbeyfield had finally decided to sell off the properties. However, residents were also told they could remain living in the homes until they find alternative accommodation, leading some to say they could stay for months.

Nick Dyke, who lives in Burtons House, in Plymstock, said he has taken advice from lawyers and housing organisations and claims there is protection for residents on shortterm renewable leases. He told The Herald's sister website, PlymouthLive: "I shall refuse to leave. I have waited 11 months for this decision, they can wait 11 months for me to find somewhere else suitable. I'm going no place, no time soon.

I'm going to fight on - I will go down with this ship." The residents, many in their 80s and 90s, were told in May last year that the future of Burtons House; Abbeyfield House, in Hartley; and Treehill Road, in Ivybridge, were being put under consultation. Initially they were told they would know their fate by the end of July, but then they heard a decision would be taken in November, then it became January, then February and finally they learned the outcome this week.