TWO residential homes run by disabled charity Scope have been earmarked for closure, for a second time.

Drummonds, in Feering, and Wakes Hall, in Wakes Colne, will be shut next year, subject to a consultation.

Bungalows it runs in Tiptree and self-contained flats in Ewer Court, Fairfax Road, Colchester, will remain open.

It follows a report from the Charity Commission.

It states: “As a result of a strategic review, Scope has decided to exit 11 of their 35 care homes.”

The families of residents contacted the commission claiming Scope was not properly considering the wishes and needs of its users as it looked to move from residential homes to supported living arrangements.

Closures had been expected in 2014, but the homes were given a stay of execution.

The Charity Commission investigated and has found Scope is taking its responsibilities seriously.

It concluded: “While the closure of care homes is likely to be a difficult and controversial process, it is for the trustees to determine how a charity carries out its objects having followed a proper decision making process.

“Following the assurances and evidence presented to us, we determined there were not any regulatory concerns.”

Scope’s interim chief executive Mark Atkinson said: “We know this has been a difficult time for residents and families and moving home can be challenging.

“We have been fully committed to supporting residents and families at the 11 care homes, through consultation and independent advocacy.

“If, following consultation, a proposal to change or close one of our care homes goes ahead, we will support people to work with the local authorities who fund their care and help them to move to their newhomes. Everyone is different and people will want different types of care.

“We have recently closed three care homes and supported everyone to find a suitable new home and in some cases receive additional social care funding; some moved to supported living, others to larger care homes and some moved closer to their families.”

The closures will affect about 71 disabled residents and about 150 staff.