THE closure of a care home near Hereford has been described as "difficult and upsetting" by the councillor responsible for health and adult wellbeing.

Families of those living at Hampton House Residential Care Home were told at the beginning of August about plans to close within two months, leaving them "shocked".

The home, for up to 34 people, was rated as good by the Care Quality Commission, but owners Herefordshire Old People's Housing Society said falling numbers of residents left them with little choice.

It said it was with "great sadness" that the home in Hampton Bishop would aim to close for good on Friday, September 24.

A society spokesperson said it had to make this decision due to the low level of occupancy after the Covid pandemic and the fixed costs meant it was not sustainable to stay open.

They added it could see "no prospect of the position changing".

And now, Herefordshire Council cabinet member for health and adult wellbeing Coun Felicity Norman admitted she was saddened to learn of the home's closure.

"We recognise how difficult and upsetting the situation has been for the care home residents, their respective families and the care home staff," she said.

"We have worked closely with the management of Hampton House to do everything we can to minimise the impact on those affected by the closure. 

“We would like to thank the staff of Hampton House for their continued care and commitment during this difficult time. 

"We worked closely with the care home residents and their families to ensure all of their moves were completed as safely and smoothly as possible.

"We have also offered the staff recruitment and training information to help them secure employment in the future.”

Herefordshire Old People's Housing Society said it had been focussed on helping residents find alternative accomodation before it shut its doors, and thanked Herefordshire Council for its support.

"The Board of HOPHS are under strict duties as charity trustees, as well as directors of the corporation, to protect the interests of all stakeholders at this time and have therefore made the difficult decision to look at closure of the home as being in the best interests of all concerned," a spokesperson said.