THREE care homes which are closing after an argument over payment will shut for the final time next week.

The Gazette revealed Trippier House, Colchester, Well House, Brightlingsea, and Poplars, in Walton, would be closing after their provider said Essex County Council had failed to pay them £140,000 in late fees.

Essex County Care, which runs the three homes, has confirmed the homes are expected to shut next Thursday.

Natalie Vive-Kananda, development director, said those residents who had not yet been reallocated to a new home would be allowed to stay until they had been.

She said: “The deadline is set but if the residents cannot meet that criteria we will keep caring for the residents until appropriate accommodation is found. Our main concern is them.

“Staff will be kept on until all the residents have been rehomed.”

Essex County Care revealed last month it was closing the three homes. The provider blamed the decision on the county council, saying it owed them £140,000 in backdated fees and claiming it failed to offer realistic rates for residents.

The company said it was losing £10,000 from Poplars, £20,000 from Trippier House, and £2,000 from Well House each month.

In total, 130 staff have been put at risk of redundancy following the decision and 64 residents left having to find a new home.

Following inspections by the Care Quality Commission, Trippier House and Well House have been assessed as requiring improvement while Poplars is rated as good.

Ms Vive-Kananda said: “We had to set a deadline at some point and we gave 28 days notice.

“Many social workers have been in to do assessments of the residents and there are some who have been rehomed but not all.

“They are our main concern and we will remain open until appropriate homes have been found.”

Essex County Council has said its primary focus is the residents and helping them to find appropriate accommodation. It said back payments would be paid.