James Day Care Home residents are rehomed

All but four people have been rehomed after Dorset County Council voted to close a care home despite protests.

The Care South charity, which runs the James Day Care Home in Swanage, said it could not afford to keep it open after the council increased the rent by 30%.

So far, 18 of the 22 residents have been rehomed with the others having to leave by the end of March.

The county council decided to close the home which it said was out of date and currently only half full.

Redevelop home

The county council said it would support the remaining residents as they try to find new homes.

Out of the 18 residents who have been moved, 11 have stayed in the Swanage area while the others have moved further afield to be closer to their families.

Councillors vowed to redevelop the home to provide modern care for older people.

Andrew Cattaway, cabinet member for adult social care, said: “We are committed to providing appropriate care services for older people in Swanage, and we want to redevelop the site.

“It’s too early to say what form the provision will take – more people are choosing to remain in their own homes, and so we may look to create some extra care housing, for example.”