Closure-threatened care homes are saved

The planned closure sparked petitions

Two care homes which were threatened with closure have now been saved by a new operator.

Agincare confirmed it will take over Sunnymeade in Chard and Critchill Court in Frome and has now "exchanged contracts" with the previous operator, Somerset Care.

Somerset Care had announced it would be consulting on the closure of the care home, sparking petitions against the decision.

They said in a statement that all current employers are "protected by employment law" and they were pleased with the "positive outcome".

Somerset Care said the homes werer not "financially viable or environmentally sustainable"

Previously in March, a letter was sent to residents and staff with Somerset Care CEO Chris Wall saying operating the two homes were no longer "financially viable or environmentally sustainable".

Somerset Care said in a statement: "As an independent, regional, privately-operated, not-for-profit care provider without any shareholders, it is sadly no longer financially viable or environmentally sustainable for Somerset Care to continue to deliver high-quality care in these two care homes.

"We therefore believe that transferring ownership of Critchill Court and Sunnymeade to Agincare is the right and responsible thing to do."

Agincare said it was "excited by the prospect of welcoming" the new facilities into its portfolio.

In a statement Agincare said: "We look forward to working with Somerset Council to manage, invest in and develop Critchill Court and Sunnymeade care homes, ensuring their long-term future, safeguarding jobs and providing local people with the peace of mind of having a home in their own community."

Somerset Council added it was "positive news for the residents, family members and staff of both sites".

'Hoped for the best'

Clive Baker's wife Gill is at Critchill Court in Frome and was "really worried" he'd have to move his wife to a different care home.

He told BBC Radio Somerset: "We're so pleased to hear the news. My wife is very comfortable there and... she previously worked there for 15 years.

"We did not rush into moving her, we just hoped for the best.

"The new owners have promised to organise meetings with all of us to introduce themselves which is good."