THE future of a Stourport nursing home which was in jeopardy because the company operating it is to close has been secured.

The 21 elderly residents at Lickhill Manor Nursing Home, Lower Lickhill Road, will be staying on after a new buyer takes over the home tomorrow. Hollyfern, which runs the home, blames a national shortage of qualified nurses and spiralling wage costs for its decision to close.

A liquidator will be appointed at a meeting of the limited company and creditors tomorrow.

A Worcestershire County Council spokesman said social services were told of Hollyfern's decision to wind up its operations last week.

He added social services was providing advice for residents and keeping them informed and was looking at providing alternative accommodation if necessary.

In all, 15 residents at the home are funded through social services, two through the health authority, while four are self-funded.

Ian Forest-Jones, a director of Hollyfern, said: "The residents are not moving; the home is continuing.

"The home is being sold. The operating company will go into liquidation. The home will continue under different ownership.

"Fortunately we've been able to find a buyer. Others homes have not been so lucky. Nationally there has been a shakeout. Qualified nurses are in very short supply and wage costs have gone through the roof."

But the chairman of the district council Councillor John Gordon, who represents Lickhill, said he was very concerned at the short notice given by Fernhill of its winding-up. He called for greater regulation of the nursing home market.

In 1993, Lickhill Manor picked up two awards including an Investors in People award - the first nursing home in Wyre Forest to receive one - as well as a CENTEC Business Enterprise Award for customer care, which won the home £5,500.