ELDERLY residents have been shocked to discover that their residential nursing home in Abergavenny will close on June 21.

Saxonbury Residential Nursing Home situated on Lansdown Road will close at this end of this month.

The moves comes following concerns raised by the Care and Social Services Inspectorate Wales (CSSIW) about care practices at the home, although it is understood that the closure is not as a result of the concerns.

The home, owned by David Cope, along with the Monmouthshire County Council is now in the process of find alternative homes for its 22 residents.

Wendy Smith, a management consultant was brought in by Mr Cope to assist the management at Saxonbury said, "Mr David Cope made the decision to close Saxonbury himself, no reason was given so we don't know why.

"The Care and Social Services Inspectorate Wales did have a meeting with Mr Cope and improvements were being made.

"Mr Cope has invested in the home, a large old building, since he bought it from the previous owners two-and-a-half years ago. He was devastated to make this decision.

"Residents are apprehensive about the closure since another care home, The Chestnuts in Crickhowell, closed in area a few months ago but they are being looked after by the carers who all work very hard and are dedicated while Monmouthshire County Council social services are helping residents find alternative housing."

Saxonbury Residential Nursing Home, part of Autumn Care Homes, has accommodation for 30 people with residential fees starting at £410 and nursing fees starting at £530 per month.

A letter received by the Abergavenny Chronicle said, "One month's notice has been given to resident's relatives to find alternative accommodation.

"There is already a shortage of nursing home places in the area without another home closing."