A LONGSTANDING Thurrock care home is to close due to construction of the Lower Thames Crossing.

The Whitecroft on Stanford Road close to Orsett is a 51-bed residential care and dementia care home and its future has been under discussion for some time after the route of the planned Lower Thames Crossing was selected. It will be constructed in very close proximity to the home and no workable solution for it to continue has been able to be found, with National Highways now committed to buying the property.

It was formerly a landmark local farmhouse.

A statement from the Whitecroft's operators, Runwood Homes, says: "It is with great sadness that Runwood Homes has begun consultation on the need to permanently close The Whitecroft and to find long term alternative care and accommodation for all residents.

"It was made clear to us it would not be possible to operate the home with all the LTC and associated works going on around the home.

"The purpose of this consultation is to record the views of residents and their families , to record concerns, and how they might be managed. No further admissions will take place to The Whitecroft during the consultation period.

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"If it is determined to proceed with closure as proposed,  Thurrock Council would be involved in the implementation of the next stage .

"They would reassess the needs of all residents, ensure that any new care home placement would meet their needs, and would support the transfer process.

A spokesperson for Runwood Homes added:N "We have been searching for an alternative site in conjunction with Thurrock Council but nothing was available.

"Runwood Homes has substantial experience of consulting, preparing and then transferring residents to new placements in a way that promotes continuity of care and their well being. "