A north Norfolk care home where residents found faeces in their bedding has been shut down after a damning inspection saw it placed into special measures.

Felmingham Old Rectory, in North Walsham, had its contract with Norfolk County Council (NCC) withdrawn, leaving the home's 25 residents needing alternative care.

This newspaper understands staff at the home were told of the closure on Sunday, June 9.

A spokesperson for the home, run by Akari Care, described the move as "disappointing" and said: "We would like to stress that this decision was made by NCC."

The move came just days after the publication of an inspection report, which described staff as "inattentive, dismissive and de-motivated"; and the home as "ineffective, chaotic and unclean".

Inspectors from the Care Quality Commission (CQC), who visited the North Walsham home after concerns were raised, said one resident told them: "It's not unusual to find wee and poo in my room and on my duvet."

While another resident told inspectors of "an incident where they found faeces in their room".

The report found "people were at risk due to inadequate infection prevention", including faeces found in toilets; "what appeared to be faeces" on a radiator cover, which were still there two days later; and faeces on a quilt.

The home received a three-day unannounced inspection from Wednesday, May 1, to Friday, May 3, after "serious concerns from other stakeholders".

And the report, published on Wednesday, June 5, rated the home inadequate in all areas and placed it into special measures, despite it being previously rated good in all areas, at its last inspection in 2016.

A staff member, who wanted to remain anonymous, said: "I've been affected by having to find a new job at the drop of a hat.

"Regional management promised in May they wouldn't close the home but have now said they are, and all residents have been given 28 days notice to leave.

"This has affected staff and residents emotionally as they were happy there."

They added: "It used to be an amazing home with loyal staff but unfortunately has gone downhill.

"Residents and family are devastated, especially some that have been there for more than 15 years, and have seen the home in its highs and its lows.

"The staff did nothing but try their absolute hardest to care for the residents and make sure their needs and happiness were met but with little to no support."

What does the firm behind the care home say?

A spokesperson for Felmingham Old Rectory said: "Our absolute priority, at all times, is providing the highest possible standards of care and safety for our residents.

"We are naturally disappointed with the outcome of the CQC report.

"Our team has worked consistently in partnership with the CQC, local authorities and residents' families to maintain standards.

"The feedback from many residents and their families remains encouraging: Felmingham Old Rectory is rated 8.6 out of 10 on the independent review forum Carehome.co.uk.

"Nonetheless, we accept the findings of the CQC's report, acknowledge the issues described and positive progress has been made to address them.

"It was therefore very disappointing to be informed by Norfolk County Council (NCC) that it was terminating its contract for the provision of residential care at Felmingham Old Rectory.

"We would like to stress that this decision was made by NCC.

"Akari was committed to continuing to work with the CQC, the council, residents, staff and families to improve the quality of care for the residents who live at Felmingham Old Rectory.

"Our priority over the coming weeks is to ensure that residents and families are supported to find appropriate care provision for their loved ones and we will support this process fully."

What did Norfolk county council say?

The county council confirmed they had ended their contract with Felmingham Old Rectory after "concerns about the quality of the service".

A spokesperson for the council said: "In light of concerns about the quality of the service, Norfolk County Council (NCC) has terminated its contract with the provider.

"As soon as we became aware of concerns about the care provided by Felmingham Old Rectory, we put in place plans to move 25 residents to suitable alternative homes.

"We have informed family members and are working closely with the health service and others to find the most appropriate care places for all 25 residents.

"The council understands that any transitional change can cause anxiety so staff from adult social care are working closely with health partners and local agencies to find appropriate alternative provision.

"At no point will anyone be left without residential care."