A rethink has been demanded over controversial plans to close a Rochford nursing home.

Furious district councillors have unanimously condemned the decision to shut Albert Jones Court in Doggetts Close.

They are urging Essex County Council's social services committee to reconsider the move which means the home could now be closed for good within six months.

Councillors also want confirmation that if the home is eventually closed and sold, all cash will be ploughed into Rochford for the good of the elderly.

The go-ahead for the closure came after it was revealed £791,000 would need to be spent to bring the home up to standards required by the council.

The 52-bed home looked set to be given a new lease of life when a bid was put in for a takeover by the Strathmore Care Group.

However, the bid was rejected after concerns were raised during a consultation exercise with the county's legal, finance, operations and inspections departments.

Rochford District Council spokesman Graham Fox (Lab, Great Wakering West) said: "The whole council is furious at the decision to close Albert Jones Court and is particularly concerned at the county council's refusal to reconsider the bid by the Strathmore Group to take over.

"I do not understand how this company can be judged unsuitable to run Albert Jones Court when they operate other council homes, and as far as I am aware, Essex County Council is continuing to buy bedspaces in these. This company is either a suitable provider or it is not."

But county councillor Tracey Chapman (Con, Rochford North), a social services committee member, said: "I wouldn't personally support a rethink because I think it was a decision that had to be made."

By Alistair Walton

Reporter's e-mail: alistair.walton@notes.newsquest.co.uk

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