CARE home residents' safety was compromised by a service's failings, inspectors have warned.

Take A Break With Choices, in The Haulgh, has been placed into 'special measures' by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) after being criticised for failing to adhere to infection control procedures and a lack of fire safety protocol.

Bolton Council says the report, which gives the care home an 'inadequate' rating, was 'disappointing and concerning' and the authority has suspended placements to the facility.

However, the home's management claims the report is 'demonstrably wrong and misleading', while outraged staff have questioned its accuracy.

Following an inspection in August, the CQC said: "There was no evidence of a fire risk assessment, testing of emergency equipment or fire drills taking place.

"We noted that some fire doors were propped open. The registered manager was unaware that personal emergency evacuation plans should be in place. "

Inspectors added that the home had no legionella certificate and the registered manager was unaware that this or a food hygiene standard certificate was required.

Concerns were also raised about a lack of staff training, while the inspector said that the home was unable to provide evidence that all staff had been properly vetted through checks with the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).

They added that the home, which provides respite care for up to seven people, 'was not consistently caring' and that residents' privacy and dignity was put at risk by the use of CCTV.

However, the home has complained that the report is 'not fair and balanced' as it only took into account the views of one resident.

The home's manager also complained that there was a conflict of interest, as she knew the CQC inspector.

In a letter of complaint to the CQC, a spokesman for the home said: "This report has been approached from a negative point of view from the onset, and does not reflect the service we provide daily."

They added: "These false allegations are unsubstantiated. They are all unfounded.

"Of course social services are concerned about this, as are we, but that fact that they are all unsubstantiated and were made in a short space of time by the same person should not be referenced in this report as cause for concern. There are no outstanding safeguarding concerns open for Take A Break with Bolton Social Services."

Take A Break says that all employees are trained to carry out their duties and enhanced DBS checks are complete for all staff.

A council spokesman said: “It is disappointing and concerning that standards of care at this respite care home have fallen below what we would expect.

"We have suspended placements to the home and we are working closely with the home and Care Quality Commission to ensure rapid improvements are made.”

Services placed in special measures will be inspected again within six months. If insufficient improvements have been made, then the CQC will take enforcement action.