Residents concerned over care home future

A possible bid to boost site value in order to get better loan facilities had caused confusion.

Some of Southwinds's 24 elderly occupants are concerned for their future after a planning application to demolish existing buildings and build 20 flats appeared on a tree outside.

But, in a statement on the notice board, Southwinds owners said, while they had applied for outline permission, there was no immediate plan to close Southwinds.

The Cooden Drive home's manager Mrs Doris Wildish told the Observer as far as she was aware there were no immediate plans to close and residents had been assured of that fact.

"I have spent time with the residents individually, putting their minds at rest," she said.

"There is no reason at the moment for residents to start looking for other accommodation."

Recently several people had called concerned about the home's future.

In a statement on the notice board - seen by the Observer - owners David and Louise Connor said Southwinds had enjoyed a healthy re-investment of capital in order to keep pace with legislation and residential needs. This had led to sizable and costly loan repayments.

A more attractive rate of interest was fundamental to its future.