THE Abbeyfield Society says it was a ‘very difficult and sad decision’ to close The Grange, which offers assisted living accommodation for elderly people in Wellesley Park, Wellington.

The home, which the WWN reported last week would close, has accommodation for eight people but currently only three live there.

Five part-time workers have agreed to continue to look after the residents until they move.

In a statement, the Abbeyfield (Wellington) Society said it will work closely with residents and their families to find alternative accommodation, including properties the National Abbeyfield Society runs in Wellington where vacancies exist.

It said every resident will be fully supported in their move to alternative accommodation.

The society had tried to keep The Grange open for a long time but financial pressures meant that was no longer possible.

The statement added: “The society has been managing a problem with empty rooms over recent years and we have seen the demand for this accommodation decline in a very competitive local market.

“As a result, the Abbeyfield (Wellington) Society has been incurring regular and sustained operational losses and this has also eroded our reserves. The Grange is no longer viable.

“The Abbeyfield (Wellington) Society has therefore had to make to make the very difficult and sad decision to close the house.”

The statement added that the Abbeyfield (Wellington) Society remained committed to supporting the local community and any proceeds from the sale of the house would be reinvested into Abbeyfield services locally.

The home has previously been used as council offices and a school.