AN INDEPENDENT provider has “expressed interest” in running two Somerset care homes at risk of closure.

Last month Somerset Care launched a consultation on the proposed closure of two of its residential care homes - Critchill Court in Frome and Sunnymeade in Chard.

Somerset Care said family-owned Agincare has put forward a proposal to acquire the two care home businesses, taking on the lease of the buildings from Somerset Council.

A message from Somerset Care read: “On February 28 Somerset Care launched a consultation on the proposed closure of two of its residential care homes - Critchill Court in Frome and Sunnymeade in Chard.

“Somerset Care has since been approached by a national, independent care provider who have expressed an interest in taking on the running of Critchill Court and Sunnymeade care homes.

“Agincare is a family-owned care provider that operates a number of care homes around the country, including one in Somerset.

“They have put forward a proposal to acquire the two care home businesses from Somerset Care, and take on the lease of the buildings from Somerset Council.

“This proposal is currently with our solicitors, who are testing the viability of Agincare's offer.

“Whilst the proposed purchase of Critchill Court and Sunnymeade by Agincare is being negotiated in good faith by all parties, the outcome is not yet certain.

“However, we wanted to do the right thing by telling our employees, residents, and their relatives as much as we can, as early as we can, and so have communicated with them today.

“We will provide further updates about the viability of Agincare's proposal, and what this means for those currently living and working in these two homes, as soon as we are able to do so.”

A spokesperson for Somerset Council said: “Somerset Care launched a consultation on the proposed closure of Critchill Court in Frome and Sunnymeade in Chard on February 28.

"Somerset Council has no plans to change the use of the building.

"We can't comment on ongoing negotiations of a commercially sensitive nature, but want to reassure residents and their families that their safety and wellbeing remains our top priority."