THE planned closure of a private residential care home has left 30 elderly people searching for alternative accommodation.

Families of the residents fear they may have to move to other areas of the town, possibly for the first time in their lives.

Knowle house in Horwich will officially close on March 28, leaving families only eight weeks to rehouse their elderly relatives.

Roger Storey, managing director of Ridgmont homes, the parent company of Knowle House, met staff and residents and their families last week to discuss the future. He told them that due to financial difficulties, the home would not be able to stay open and residents would have to move by March 28.

Mr Storey said: "We have experienced escalating losses this year. We can see no realistic way in resolving the difficulties the home faces. We have put in an additional resource at the home to support residents in finding alternative accommodation."

Rose Hodgson, aged 82, suffers from Alzheimers disease and has lived at Knowle House for almost three years.

Her daughter, Rosemary Crompton, has managed to get her a place at the Manse home in Horwich, but is very disappointed that Knowle House is to close.

She said: "When my mother was assessed as needing 24-hour care I was really worried, but my mum soon settled in and seemed content and happy.

"I really did not want to move my mother out of Horwich as I cannot drive. It will be very confusing for her as over the past two years everything there has become familiar to her. I'm disgusted really. This news has come as such a shock."

A relative of another resident said: "I have no idea where my mother is going to go. She may have to leave the Horwich area. That will break her heart as she has lived in the town all her life."

A spokesman for Bolton Council's Social Services said there were places available in other homes across the town and staff were on hand at the home to advise family members.

He said: "We recognise that this is an anxious time for families and social services care staff will be available to help families to find suitable accommodation.

"We will always provide advice and support and will help people as much as we can. There are 60 places available in residential homes and 40 places available in nursing homes, and it is hoped that families will be able to find accommodation with minimum disruption to their relatives."