A CARE home has been saved from closure after it was bought by a local firm.

Scope announced three years ago it planned to close 11 care homes including Drummonds in Feering as part of plans to care for disabled people.

Now, East Anglian care company Black Swan has agreed to take on the home along with its residents and staff.

The firm will also accommodate residents and employees from Wakes Hall - a residential home for disabled adults in Colchester.

Managing director Tom Lyons said: “We are investing more than half a million pound in upgrades, we are re-glossing the whole of the property front to back, inside and out, which is costing more than £100,000.

“Scope were also looking at closing Wakes Hall around the corner and we were able to accommodate a number of their residents and staff.

“We are now recruiting for more staff.

“We want to see Drummonds as the premier group living centre for adults with learning disabilities in the area.

“The assistance technology will be upgraded - the call bell systems will be made so they can be activated through different methods like blow switches.”

Drummonds is home to 41 people with learning and physical disabilities, as well as sensory impairments and cerebral palsy.

Black Swan Care Group, based in Norfolk, already has various homes in Essex including Valentine House in Silver End.

Mr Lyons said: “It’s not always best for someone who is severely disabled to living in an isolated environment.

“This has a family feel and is less isolated. There are a lot of people for whom this is invaluable.”

Mr Lyons said more homes may be bought in the region in future.