AS EXCLUSIVELY revealed in last week's Globe, Arno House Residential Home in Grange Road West, Birkenhead, is closing.

The last of the elderly residents are pictured moving out and staff have to find new jobs.

Similar scenes have been seen at Minto House, Hoylake, and Abbey Grange, Wallasey, after the parent company sold all three. Staff say it was upsetting to see residents moved from their home and friends. Most employees are now jobless.

Pensioners Margaret Dawson and Alf Stewart, at Arno House, who were both born and bred in Birkenhead, were distraught when they were told that their home was about to be closed down. They are being moved to another home.

Arno House had 14 residents and the staff said they had just a week's notice to vacate the premises.

"It's very upsetting, we were settled here," said Margaret, who had been at Arno House for three years. "We were one big happy family and have enjoyed many happy moments here. The staff were really friendly, the beds were clean, the food was great, and it's nice to have everyone waiting on you."

Alf Stewart added: "I don't know why we have to move. This is our home."

Staff were 'distraught' but said they could not to comment individually. Abbey Grange is closed and residents at Minto House have gone as staff prepare to close that building. "We have had people coming in to buy stuff. It is very sad," they say.

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