RESIDENTS and staff at Frinton’s Anna Victoria Nursing Home were devastated after being told it is on the brink of closure.

A conslutation is under way on the future of the Pole Barn Lane home, run by Christian charity Pilgrims’ Friend Society, but it could be forced to permanently shut its doors.

Twenty-eight elderly residents are cared for at the home, but society bosses say they have been forced to consider its future as they are struggling to recruit new staff.

Staff and residents at the home were informed of the situation at a special meeting.

A spokesman for the charity said: “The society operates care homes in other parts of the country and in our long history we have gained considerable experience in recruiting staff, including nurses.

“In the case of the Anna Victoria Nursing Home, we have tried every avenue open to us, both locally and nationally, but with a disappointing lack of success.

“Our understanding from other care providers in the region is that nurses seem to be in short supply in the area and recruitment is a persistent challenge.

“Even local agencies have had difficulty at times in supplying us with nurses.

“We have moved staff temporarily from our other homes, but clearly this is not a permanent solution and could impact on the other homes if adopted as a long-term strategy.”

A consultation has been launched and will run until December 5.

Staff members have been asked to come up with potential solutions to help keep the home open.