A WHITCHURCH care home has closed after 'battling the tide' of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Cloverfields Care, in Chester Road, closed its doors on Friday.

Director of Safe Harbor, the company that ran the home, Philip Morris, said the decision to close came with a 'heavy heart'.

"We had spoken to the council about closing the home though have not given any specific timescale to them," said Mr Morris.

"We have been working closely with Shropshire council to find suitable placements for the residents in our care.

"It is with great sadness and a heavy heart, that we have decided to close Cloverfield after months of soul searching and extremely hard work by all the staff.

"We have owned Cloverfield for over 18 years and it has been a most enjoyable period and a pleasure to be part of the Whitchurch community.

"We had been covid-free throughout 2020, however this is a direct result of Covid.

"We have battled for months against the tide and we have now had to succumb.

"We are grateful to all our dedicated staff for the hard work which they have put in during this very difficult and challenging period."

The Care Quality Commission meanwhile confirmed the closure was not because of any enforcement or intervention issues.

Meanwhile, Shropshire Council says it will work to support the residents.

Dean Carroll, Cabinet Member with responsibilities for adult social care, said: "Shropshire Council was saddened to be informed that Cloverfields care home in Whitchurch is no longer in a financial position to continue operating going forward.

"The home has been long established in Shropshire but unfortunately they have informed us that they now have to close.

"Our adult social care team are working closely with the home and the residents and their families to support loved ones in moving to other appropriate care homes as required, and will continue to ensure continuity of care and support for those affected by the closure.

"The home currently has 17 residents, and the council will offer support to all residents and their families through this period of change."