RESIDENTS and staff at an Ilkley care home say they are shocked and upset after being told it will close within a month.

Hollycroft Care Home in Hebers Ghyll Drive, is home to 15 elderly people, including a 100-year-old and staff believe the move could be fatal for some of the vulnerable residents.

News of closure was broken to the 21 members of staff last week and shared with residents and their families.

One member of staff, who did not wish to be named said the news had come without warning, adding: "The home has been open over 25 years. Some of the staff have worked there years. We currently have 15 residents, most of them long standing. The two longest residents have been there 12 years and nine years. The home is their home. Some of these residents don't remember living anywhere else. Two of the residents don't have any family except for us. We are hoping someone can help save these people's home. We believe that the move will kill some of these residents. It is certainly not in any of the residents best interests to move.

"We were told the home isn't making enough money due to low residency yet we haven't been taking any new residents in since March. The home would be full if we hadn't been told to refuse enquiries. We're very popular with social workers and Airedale hospital for referrals.

"We were also told the home needed a lot of work doing yet the only work they've done in three years is to renovate two bathrooms. None of the reasons we were given made sense. The home is a potential goldmine.

"The families 100 per cent support us. They are obviously extremely upset."

Suzanne Coleman whose mother Audrey Morris is a resident said she was told last Thursday the home was going to close. "This is very sad news," she said. "My mother who has dementia and breast cancer and other health problems has been at Hollycroft for the last 18 months.

"She is very frail and cannot walk without assistance and is 92 years old. She is used to those who are caring for her. It took her a long time for them to gain her trust and they give her the most excellent care.

"I just feel so sorry for all the other residents and their relatives. Some have even worse health took than my mam.

"Just think how you would feel if your parent was in a care home, where they are receiving such excellent care. Where you know they are happy. You have the peace and reassurance that they are cared for.

"The staff there are excellent. I feel so sorry for them too. Many of them have worked at the home for a long time, and are very close to the residents. They are all one big family."

A spokesman for Four Seasons Health Care who run the home said: "After careful consideration Four Seasons Health Care plans to cease operating Hollycroft Care Home in Ilkley. The company is undertaking a consultation process with the staff about the proposed closure.

"The proposal to cease operating the home has not been arrived at easily, but we think it is unavoidable. Hollycroft has been operating at a loss as the fees it is receiving do not cover its operating costs. We effectively have been paying to continue to provide care for the residents and this is not sustainable. The home can accommodate 23 people but has only 15 residents living there, who are being cared for by 21 staff.

"The wellbeing of the people living in the home is our priority and we will work closely with the City of Bradford MDC Social Services team to ensure that the residents and their families are supported to find suitable alternative placements. "Hollycroft will continue to provide care while we allow plenty of time for the most appropriate arrangements to be made for all residents."

Lyn Sowray, Assistant Director of Operational Services, Department of Health & Wellbeing at Bradford Council, said: "Our staff will ensure all residents at the home, and their families where appropriate, are properly consulted and offered choices in relation to alternative accommodation. Our priority is to ensure that residents are safe and comfortable."