The closure of an old people's home in Braintree has begun.

Under Essex County Council's plans to sell off or lease 13 of its old people's homes, Monken Hadley, in Broad Road, Bocking, failed to attract interest from the private sector.

A bid by a Braintree businessman to buy the home was turned down as unsuitable by the council.

Monken Hadley was given a final chance to attract a bidder to step in and take over the running of the home, but none came forward by the cut-off date of last Friday.

The process of closing the home, which is a converted period mansion, is now under way. It means 17 residents will now have to move.

The home, which had capacity for 29 residents in seven single rooms and 11 twin rooms, cost £580 per resident per week. It also needed to be remodelled at a cost of £537,000.

Campaigners have expressed dismay at the closure of Monken Hadley. Phyllis Webb, who has campaigned to keep the home open for more than two years, said yesterday (Wednesday): "I can't believe it. There is absolutely nothing we can do now.

"I'm bitterly disappointed because there were offers for the home and I feel these could have been investigated more.

"It's a real shame for all the residents who have no idea where they will end up."

A consultation process about closing Beaumont Hall, Marine Parade, Clacton is under way - because, like Monken Hadley, the home failed to attract a private sector bid.

Both homes were subject to serious concerns including the inspection unit and the Health and Safety Executive.

Beaumont Hall needed almost £1 million spent on it to bring it up to regulation standards.

Homes so far saved by the latest county council approach to the private sector were Albert Jones Court, which has attracted interest from Strathmore Care, and Heron Court, in Herongate, which has won the interest of Runwood Homes.

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