A CARE provider confirmed they are in preliminary discussions about taking over two care homes at risk of closure.

Independent care provider Agincare expressed interest in Sunnymeade care home in Chard as well as Critchill Court in Frome after Somerset Care launched a consultation on their proposed closure.

A spokesperson for Agincare said: “Agincare can confirm that we are in preliminary discussions with Somerset Care regarding Critchill Court in Frome and Sunnymeade in Chard.

“We are aware that the prospect of closure of the two Somerset Care homes is hugely upsetting for the residents, their families and the staff.

“However, due to ongoing sensitivities in the negotiation process, it would be inappropriate for us to comment at this time.”

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 Somerset Care spokesperson previously said: “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.

“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.”

The consultation on the closure was launched as the two residential care homes were deemed “no longer financially viable” due to their “dated and restrictive layouts, high running costs, and repair requirements”.

Back in February, councillor Connor Payne said Somerset Care “must rethink” their proposal to close Sunnymeade in Chard and Critchill Court in Frome “as a matter of urgency” and launched a petition to save the care homes.

Sarah Dyke, MP for Somerton and Frome, said she “reached out to all of the key stakeholders. We must now allow them time to go through this consultation process”.