ELEVEN frail pensioners have been left facing an uncertain future after their care home announced it was closing down.

Residents at Glebelands Rest Home in Glebelands Avenue, South Woodford have been told to move out after the business was taken over by adminstrators earlier this month.

A source connected with the home told the Guardian that relatives were gathered at the home last Friday (September 11) and told they had just 28 days to find alternative accommodation for their loved ones.

The woman, who did not want to be named said: "Many of the residents are aged in their 80s and 90s and have complex needs like dementia.

"Now their relatives are faced with a short period of time to find somewhere else for them to live, which isn't easy.

"They've been told they'll get support in looking for new homes, but they have not been given much time to do this."

The source said that there are currently ten staff still working for the business.

She said: "The staff at the nursing home are excellent and have been doing a great job while all this turmoil has been going on. It's been a tough time for everyone involved."

Chris Wilson, 89, Chairman of Redbridge Pensioners Forum said the stress of the move could kill some of the residents.

He said: "This could be the death of some of them. Simple as that.

"You can't start your life again in your 80s and 90s.

"These people are the victims of all this. They've done nothing wrong."

Tony Hannon, of administrators Baker Tilly, confirmed the home was closing because no buyer could be found, and that its six council-funded residents were currently being found alternative accommodation.

This leaves five pensioners facing a race against time to find new homes before the closure.

He added: "We are winding up the business after unsuccessfully trying to trade it.

"Further announcements will be made as soon as they are available."

Mr Hannon refused to confirm the timescale given to residents to move out.

Do you have a relative or friend who is a resident at Glebelands Residential Home?

If so, please contact Guardian reporter Sam Adams on: 01992 563 121.