A care home which failed to meet standards and was rated as 'inadequate' has been taken over by a new owner who has spent tens of thousands of pounds on refurbishment works.

Eastern Daily Press: The new manager and owner of Ashill Lodge Care Home, Jackie Cannell and Kay Naidoo. Picture: Rebecca MurphyThe new manager and owner of Ashill Lodge Care Home, Jackie Cannell and Kay Naidoo. Picture: Rebecca Murphy (Image: Archant)

Kay Naidoo took charge of The Lodge Care Home in Ashill, near Watton - which has now been registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) as Ashill Lodge Care Home - at the end of February.

So far he has carried out improvement works which have cost £150,000, including gutting and redecorating the home's rooms, including 14 bedrooms, and replacing flooring and furniture.

The accountant has brought in a new team of staff and has vowed to make it a place where residents and their families can feel comfortable.

Mr Naidoo said: 'Family members have said in only a few months they have seen the turn around. The feedback has been brilliant.

'We would not have been able to achieve what we have in those few months without the carers. They work as a team and they volunteered to help with the work.'

In early February a report was published by the CQC which rated The Lodge as 'inadequate' overall.

Safety and management were also rated as 'inadequate' with caring and the effectiveness of the service deemed to be 'requiring improvement'.

Mr Naidoo said he took over the care home as he has always had a 'socially minded ethos'.

He said: 'I saw this place and saw straight away the potential it had. I am 100pc committed and I love it. The relatives have responded positively. And we have brilliant staff.'

Currently there are four permanent residents at the home, which also caters for those with dementia, which can house 20 people.

The capacity will be increased by a further 10 residents when an extension to the building has been completed. This will include en suite bedrooms, a kitchenette and lounge and is expected to be completed within two years.

New manager Jackie Cannell, who has been in the care industry for 15 years, said she 'loves' working at the home.

'I am proud of what we have done,' she said. 'Just having the comments from the residents and families you know you are doing something right.'