Cheshire West and Chester Council (CW&C) has pledged to work with the owners of a troubled old people’s residential home to help re-locate residents amid rumours it has closed.

The authority has admitted that ‘care can no longer be provided’ at The Old Hall Residential Home, in Old Hall Street, Malpas, while The Herald was told by locals the hall had been closed.

CW&C cabinet member for Adult Social Care, Councillor Paul Dolan, said: “We are very sorry to hear that care can no longer be provided at Old Hall.

“CW&C is working with Old Hall to ensure that every resident is allocated a key worker and supported to find the care that they need.

“Any residents or relatives concerned about this should contact the council on 0300 123 7034.”

Reasons for the closure still remain unclear, though the business was described by inspectors as inadequate overall with some areas requiring improvement.

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) - who conduct inspections on care homes - listed Old Hall, as below standard in three areas and requiring improvement in two others.

The CQC report stated a large part of the problem at The Old Hall were caused by insufficient staffing levels, stating’ staffing levels in place at the service were not sufficient to protect people from the risk of harm’., though staff received praise from inspectors and families alike.

After the inspection, the CQC placed The Old Hall into special measures. The residential home was then required to improve within six months, but it now appears it will be closing.

Management at The Old Hall were unavailable for comment.