The long-term future of two care homes has been secured after a council stepped in to take them over.

Care bosses said the "difficult decision" was made "in the best interests of the people who live and work there." 

Community Integrated Care and Halton Borough Council say they have worked in collaboration to bring St Luke’s care home in Runcorn and St Patrick’s in Widnes into the local authority's portfolio.

A spokesman said the services "have been an important part of the Community Integrated Care family for more than 25 years."

The representative continued: "However due to the financial challenges faced by the social care sector, in recent years the charity has had to provide a significant subsidy to sustain the homes' operating costs.

"Naturally, this situation could not continue indefinitely and it has been important to both parties to find a successful resolution.

Runcorn and Widnes World:

St Patrick’s care home in Widnes

"We have identified that by transferring these homes into Halton Borough Council’s existing portfolio of social care services they can become more sustainable and viable for the future by being part of the council’s local infrastructure.

"Together we believe this proposed transfer is the best possible solution for residents, staff and loved ones.

"It is of enormous satisfaction that this collaborative approach will help safeguard the future of these services."

Community Integrated Care and the council are consulting with everyone involved in the homes, as well as progressing the legal process around this transfer, and anticipate this will be concluded in the autumn.

Mark Adams, chief executive of Community Integrated Care, said: “With these being founding homes in our charity, this was naturally a very difficult decision to make.

"However we’re really pleased to have been able to work with our partners at Halton Borough Council to find a way of keeping both services running, something that is in the best interests of the people who live and work there."

Councillor Tom McInerney, the council's portfolio holder for children, education and social care, said: “Halton Borough Council is excited about the next stage in the development of St Patrick’s and St Luke’s and grateful to Community Integrated Care for all the work they have undertaken in supporting Halton residents in these homes over the past 25 years.

"Together we will ensure a smooth transition for the residents, families and staff and continue to provide them with care of the highest quality.”