RESIDENTS at a care home in north Suffolk are facing the prospect of being evicted from their home after it has been announced it will be closing down.

Lizzie Parry

RESIDENTS at a care home in north Suffolk are facing the prospect of being evicted from their home after it has been announced it will be closing down.

Daneway House in Leiston, which cares for people with severe learning disabilities, is due to close its doors on December 31.

The seven residents currently living at the home will have to be relocated to other residential homes in the county and the eight members of support staff will face losing their jobs.

Karin Woodman, a support worker at the care home said staff and residents alike were “very unsettled and distressed” by the news.

“These people will be losing their home and their family,” she said. “We are all worried sick about our residents; they don't know yet where they will be moved to. They all want to stay but could be relocated to anywhere in Suffolk.”

The seven residents, between the ages of 24 and their late 70s, many of whom have lived at Daneway House for a number of years are upset at the prospect of being split up.

Mrs Woodman added: “Some of the older residents have been here for over 20 years, some have no family, this is there family, and this is their home. I have been a support worker for seven years and I have worked in lots of different care homes but I have never come across one quite like this, it is a wonderful place and a beautiful setting, everyone is really happy here.

“It would be all our dreams come true if somebody could help save the home.”

The building is owned by the local health authority and the home is run by the charitable organisation United Response.

A spokesperson for the organisation said: “United Response and Suffolk County Council regretfully announce the closure of a service for seven people with learning disabilities at a house in Leiston with effect from 31st January 2009.

“Suffolk County Council is now working closely with each individual and their families to identify suitable alternative accommodation services which will best meet their needs, and ensure a smooth transition to new services. In the meantime, the residents will remain at the house and will continue to be supported by United Response.

“United Response is also working closely with our staff team to support them to find other work, either internally or externally.

“Ensuring that services users receive the highest quality support continues to be our top priority.”