ANXIOUS relatives face a race-against-time to find accommodation for their loved ones following the shock announcement that a Prestwich residential home is to close.

Manor Park in Scholes Lane will shut next Friday, June 25, because of financial reasons, leaving 38 residents homeless.

Bury Council was told about the closure on Wednesday and a team from social services and the health authority went into the private home yesterday, June 17, to talk to residents and their relatives about finding alternative accommodation.

The council had inspected the home recently and asked the proprietors to take action on health and safety issues, but this was not thought to be substantial and not a reason to close the home. Keith Edwards, co-proprietor of Manor Park, said the decision to close was "purely financial" and added: "I do not wish to make any comments at this time. We are simply concentrating all our efforts on residents."

The owners also praised Bury Social Services for its support.

One woman, whose father lives in the home, did not wish to be named but said: "I was told on Wednesday and it is a worrying time. It is his home now and he is happy there and is used to the people. All this is going to be lost and it is not only him. There are 38 residents and they are going to lose their home."

She is hopeful of finding other accommodation for her father and added: "The home was absolutely brilliant and I can't see what the problem is. I have always found the care very good."

Coun Kevin Scarlett, cabinet member for social services, said: "Of course, this will cause a lot of worry and concern and we have to sort it out very quickly.

"We have a list of vacancies in other establishments and we will do whatever we can to help and keep residents in Prestwich if they want to."

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