Inspectors have told a Norwich care home owner to do more to protect the safety and welfare of residents and staff.

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has issued a formal warning to the owner of Whitehall Lodge Residential Home, saying they must make improvements to standards of care or face further action.

The warning follows an unannounced visit on July 10 by inspectors to the home in Whitehall Road, which provides accommodation and personal care for up to 29 people.

During the visit inspectors found strips of flooring in a corridor were missing, presenting a trip hazard, a toilet had been withdrawn from use as it was leaking, paint was peeling off the walls in the main bathroom and the bath panel had a rotted at the base meaning it was difficult to clean the room properly.

There was no bolt on the main bathroom door and trailing wires were found in three bedrooms, with no evidence of any risk assessment of the wires.

Andrea Gordon, of the CQC, said: 'The law says these are the standards that everyone should be able to expect. Providers have a duty to ensure they are compliant.

'This warning sends a clear message that the owner of Whitehall Lodge needs to address this issue or face further consequences.

'Our inspectors will return in the near future and if we find that the required progress is not made we won't hesitate to use our legal powers to protect the people who use this service.'

Whitehall Lodge management declined to comment.