Vulnerable and elderly people are facing a major upheaval after a Great Yarmouth care home announced it would cease trading next month.

The owners of Carisbrooke House Residential Home have circulated a letter to staff and residents announ-cing it would close on November 16.

The decision leaves 19 residents, some suffering with mental illnesses, in limbo over who will provide their care. Staff in charge of maintaining the home and looking after residents all look set to lose their jobs.

But Norfolk County Council has moved to reassure residents that they will help them find new accom- modation.

The care home, on Sandown Road, Great Yarmouth, was privately owned by Goldcare Limited, who were unavailable for comment. One couple, whose relative is a resident, said they were happy with the service and described it as a good home.

Harold Bodmer, director of community services at Norfolk County Council, said: 'There are 19 people living in Carisbrooke House, and 14 of them are funded by the county council.

'However, we want to make sure that all the residents and their families get the support and advice they need, and everyone living there will be found appropriate alternative accommodation.'

An Age UK Norfolk spokesman said: 'It would have been a place the residents would have called home.

'This will feel like bereavement to them as it is unlikely they will be able to move together to another home.'

Goldcare also runs six care homes in locations including Northampton, Milton Keynes and Leicestershire.

ben.woods@archant.co.uk