STAFF at a care home are relieved they have found insurance just days before being forced to close.

Poplars Nursing Home in Clockhouse Way could have closed at the weekend, as it could not get a public liability insurance renewal.

Staff at the home had told families the residents would be forced out.

One resident, Alan Betts, was told he would need to move to Colchester from Braintree, having never left his home town.

The home was told it required improvement in its latest Care Quality Commission report, which was published in June.

Due to this 'amber warning', insurance companies steered clear of offering insurance if clients suffer personal injury or property damage.

Manager James Ong, who has worked at the home for 19 years, said they managed to fine insurance at the last minute.

He said: "At about 4.30pm on Tuesday we managed to find cover and have avoided having to send residents away.

"Before we got insurance they were being forced to go, because of the CQC report there was no option.

"The 19 staff would have been made redundant, it wasn't nice- everybody's lives could have been destroyed."

The North and Mid Essex Clinical Commissioning Groups fund three of the six residents between them, and they have agreed the three can stay.

However two residents are moving by choice, which Mr Ong said was very much their decision.

The last remaining patient, from Ireland, is also moving back home by choice.

He said: "I personally felt it could have been avoided. Dialogue started with the CQC in July when we had a detailed action plan.

"We felt hard done by, but there's a euphoric feeling now that we can carry on and improve things."

He said from August 1 when they first heard their insurance was up for renewal they "searched frantically" for cover, but by August 15 their luck had run out.

He said: "It's a blessing. The staff are happy they still have their jobs and the residents are still here."

Mr Betts, 82, is a resident at the home- he developed mental health issues eight years ago.

Mick Fowler is Alan's son-in-law, and he and his wife Sue were devastated when they heard the home could close.

Mr Fowler, 68, from Rayne Road, said: "I wrote to the MP and CQC as Alan is a special case, he has never moved out of Braintree so it could have been a disaster.

"All the staff have been very supportive- we have been very pleased with his progress since he moved in two years ago."

Mr Betts would have had to move to Tall Trees care home in Colchester.

Mr Fowler is still campaigning to prevent other homes having to close in the future because of the 'amber warnings'.

He said: "What's ringing alarm bells is the amber warnings in place and insurance companies not insuring them, it's horrifying.

"It's an ongoing issue so we will not stop, the whole thing has caused so much trauma.

"It's great that Alan can stay but we don't want it to happen to other care homes. The amber warning is a chance for them to improve, and not have to close."

Mr Ong was told there was enough staff on duty at all times and there were systems in place to ensure people received medicines.

However patients were not encouraged to remain independent and they did not get their needs met in a meaningful way.

An Essex County Council spokesperson said the council was aware notice had been served to residents, and it was working closely with other local authorities to ensure the smooth transition into safe provision and alternative arrangements if it was to close.