WELLINGTON Town Council and local politicians have expressed their concerns over the closure of Ivy House and The Old Vicarage.

A spokesperson for Wellington Town Council said: “Town councillors Mark Lithgow and Janet Lloyd along with the Town Clerk Dave Farrow met with representatives of Abbeyfield this afternoon [Tuesday, April 23] to be told of the decision to close both Ivy House and The Old Vicarage after the residents had been told earlier in the day.

“They raised concerns regarding the process that had been followed and the way that decisions had been made.”

Dave Farrow, town clerk, added: “Our immediate concern is to make sure that the residents of the two properties get the support and advice they need as quickly as possible.

“The advice we have received is that residents who want to stay where they are should make that clear to Abbeyfield and are under no obligation to move out.

“We appreciate that these are challenging and uncertain times for the residents and they need to know they have the support of the whole community.

“We will be working with Somerset Council and others to make sure that detailed advice is available to residents as soon as possible.

“We will be discussing the situation at our next meeting.”

Gideon Amos, the Lib Dem parliamentary candidate for Wellington, said: “I’m horrified at what you have just told these residents - none of the organisations I have spoken to have any confidence the very limited financial information about the premises stack up - the homes are clearly a going concern - why haven’t you tried selling it to another provider for the same one pound you bought it for?

“I feel the same anger that the many long-term residents feel.

"They should stay put and have every right to do so and Abbeyfield must be persuaded to drop whatever price they have been asking and try harder to find a new owner.

"I was glad at least to get confirmation at the meeting that Abbeyfield would still be open to discussions about a takeover of the properties but have also been told Wellington Town Council’s offers to help have not been taken up.

"If that’s the case it is shocking and has to change. It’s time people’s homes and peace of mind were put above cold hard cash”.

Rebecca Pow, Taunton Deane MP, said: “It is understandable that emotions are running high amongst the residents and staff of both Ivy House and the Old Vicarage.

“This announcement by Abbeyfield that both properties will close is a disappointing outcome following all of the representations made and extensive consultation.

“For all of the residents concerned, this is home, and facing an uncertain future is extremely distressing for many.

“Following my meeting today with Abbeyfield I have received assurances that every assistance will be given to help residents identify appropriate accommodation to suit their needs.

“It must be remembered that each resident is on an assured tenancy and Abbeyfield has no powers of eviction and this needs to be respected.

“I have also received assurances that staff will be retained, and services will continue to be delivered according to the resident’s service agreements for as long as required.

“I am pleased that each resident and their family representatives will receive a one-to-one meeting with Abbeyfield to discuss their individual case.

“It is important that the hard-working and dedicated staff are also fully engaged in any plans.”