DUDLEY Council and the CQC have said they are working closely to ensure residents find new accommodation after the announcement that Holbeche House Care Home is to close.

The GMB Union told reporters on Monday that residents had been given as little as 28 days to find new homes but the council and care home have said a contractual 90-day notice period has been agreed.

Holbeche House, famous for its links to Guy Fawkes and the gun powder plot, currently has 22 residents and 32 permanent staff and is operated by Belsize, according to the union.

Dudley News: GMB union members outside Holbeche House. Pic - GMB UnionGMB union members outside Holbeche House. Pic - GMB Union

A spokesperson for Holbeche House Care Home said the “difficult decision” had been made to close the 48-bed home, which has a requires improvement rating from the CQC, after a comprehensive review.

In a statement they said: “The wellbeing of the people we support is always our absolute priority and this decision has not been taken lightly.

“Unfortunately, the home is no longer financially viable.

“Our senior management team is assisting the people we support, their families and colleagues during this process.

“We are working with the local authority close Holbeche House Care Home in 90 days. Our goal is to ensure a smooth transition for both residents and colleagues.”

Councillor Patrick Harley, Dudley Council’s leader, said the council had been working with the home to improve the quality of care but the local authority was informed last month that it would be closing after notice was served by the landlord.

He added: “Our social workers and commissioning officers will support the residents, families and staff through this very challenging period. We will ensure all residents are safely transferred to alternate care which remains our top priority.”

The CQC said it was monitoring the situation and liaising with Dudley Council “to ensure people are moved safely to alternative services that are appropriate to their needs”.