THE Grange, an ‘assisted living’ accommodation for old people run by the Abbeyfield Society in Wellesley Park, Wellington, is to close.

The home has accommodation for eight people but currently only three live there. The closure affects five part-time workers who have agreed to continue to look after residents until they move.

The society has a legal obligation to find alternative accommodation for them and is actively talking to them about their requirements.

A society spokesman says it is closing for ‘financial reasons’. The home has been running with a number of empty rooms.

The home, which has previously been used as council offices and a school, is likely to be sold.

Beverley Netley, whose 86-year-old father lives at the home, says she is very disappointed it has to close.

She said: “Apart from care homes – not everyone is ready for that move – there isn’t another house in the area which offers the same level of service, care and a feeling of living with an extended family.

“Residents have all their meals provided, members of staff are present eight hours a day and a call person every night and can be there within ten minutes.

“These are just a few of the excellent services The Grange provides. Maybe someone would like to take on the challenge of keeping it open.”

The WWN understands there is no chance of the home staying open because it is not financially viable.