RESIDENTS of a Bournemouth care home, which is earmarked for closure, have been promised help and support as they look for new accommodation.

Leybourne House in Western Avenue is due to close by the end of May, after operator Care South decided to surrender their lease with the council.

Cllr Blair Crawford, cabinet member for adult social care, said: “It’s a disturbing, upsetting time for residents in that property but intensive support is being given to them and their families.”

As part of a review of Bournemouth’s care and nursing homes, Care South is purchasing a new 150-year lease of Wickmeads in Thornbury Road so it can redevelop the existing building and build a new 50-bed nursing and dementia care home.