THE executive director of a charity in charge of a failing care home in Runcorn has apologised following a wave of criticism in the wake of the closure.

While it has now been confirmed that all residents have been moved to a new home after Harbour Close in Murdishaw closed on Friday, August 12, director James Watson-O’Neill said he would like to issue an apology to all former residents and their families.

He said: “All of the 12 people who were living at Harbour Close have moved to new homes.

“Nine people have moved to permanent homes, with some moving closer to their families and others continuing to live together.

“Three people have moved to a home for a short time until a permanent home is ready for them.

"I would like to apologise to all former residents and their families that the care and support at Harbour Close did not meet the high standards we demand."

Mandy Pope from Cheshire, whose brother lived at the care home, said while the care staff and management did their ‘very best in the circumstances’, she feels little support was provide by the charity.

Simon Boughey from Middlesex, whose sister lived at the home for eight years, added he felt as if they were left to fend for themselves following the shock decision.

Mr James Watson-O’Neill added: "I know from the conversations I’ve had that this has been an anxious time for everyone who lived at the service, their families and our staff.

"I understand the strength of feeling and reaction to our decision to close the service.

"We did all we could to support residents through the move to new homes.

"That included four of our project managers each working with three residents to fully support them in their negotiations with their funding councils and other care homes."