CARE HOME FORCED TO CLOSE

Distressed residents and staff were given less than an hour to collect their belongings and move to other homes in the surrounding area.

Social workers moved quickly to close the 400-a-week Trevine Court by obtaining the order from Worthing JPs.

The order had been applied for by the Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI) and West Sussex County Council. The commission subsequently obtained the court order closing the home because it said residents were 'at serious risk'.

Police were in attendance when eight elderly residents were moved. Residents, staff and relatives were all in tears and angry about the enforced move and closure.

Police have confirmed they are looking into the circumstances surrounding the death of Annie Wale, 87, from Trevine Court in Southey Road, Worthing.

The pensioner, who had been a resident at the home, died at Worthing Hospital on September 10 after suffering ill health.

Trevine Court owner Sean Adelphie has denied any wrongdoing and is fighting the closure order.

For full report see West Sussex Gazette September 19.