A Norfolk care home for older people could be closed, with bosses saying the rooms are no longer fit for purpose and, with beds empty, the running costs are becoming too high.

Norse Care today started consultation over the future of Burman House in Terrington St John on the Norfolk/Cambridgeshire border.

Residents, relatives and staff at the 30-bed residential care home have been informed that the future of the care home is under review.

Run by Norse Care - an arms-length company owned by Norfolk County Council, the home was rated as good by the Care Quality Commission when they inspected in April.

But Norse Care says a review of its residential homes had identified the cost at Burnam House was particularly high.

They said this was because it had a high level of vacancies, which has led to 'high overheads'. They say many of the bedrooms are small, so it is not possible to use specialist moving and handling equipment in them.

Bosses said, because older people increasingly need that sort of care, demand for those rooms has declined, so rooms have been standing empty.

Norse Care is considering the care home's future.

That could mean the home is closed and residents moved elsewhere.

A statement released by Norse Care states: 'Having considered the range of options, Norse Care are consulting on the future of Burman House.

'If, following the consultation, the proposal to close Burman House went ahead, current residents would be supported by Norse Care and adult social services to remain living in the area close to relatives and friends.

'Whatever the outcome, social services has a responsibility to look after all residents and will ensure everyone is given support.'

The consultation can be found at https://norfolk.citizenspace.com/consultation/burmanhouse and runs until Tuesday, November 20.