CARE home residents were moved out after a damning inspection report raised fears for their safety.

Southend Council decided to remove residents from Chadwick Lodge Residential Home in Chadwick Road, Westcliff, after it was placed placed in special measures by the Care Quality Commission.

Inspectors from the Government watchdog released a report saying the home was inadequate in safety, effectiveness, care and leadership after an unannounced inspection.

The commission was called in after Southend Council raised concerns and found poor training, neglectful care, unexplained injuries and even the hiring convicted criminals without proper checks – one of which had been suspended while the council investigated allegations against them.

However, following the report, the situation escalated to the point the council felt it had no choice, but to remove the residents.

James Moyies, Southend councillor responsible for adult social care, said: “This is very disappointing, but the council responded extremely quickly to take control of the situation and has done the best by the residents and their families.

“It is a normal course of action that, if we have concerns, we would put people in to work alongside the staff in the care home to rectify any issues and, if it was felt there were any further issues, these concerns would be elevated and we would make sure residents were relocated to appropriate places.

“There are 130 care homes in the town and we have to remain vigilant to ensure every one meets acceptable standards.”

Two unexplained injuries to residents at Chadwick Lodge had not been reported and staff did not see them as cause for concern, the report said. Other safety concerns included hanging and exposed wires, extension lead sockets placed under sinks, no effective window restrictors, dangerous chemicals being stored in open access areas and a pond in the garden with scaffolding-type poles over it, jutting out over a path.

High levels of agency staff receiving no induction or supervision was also listed as a concern in the report.

The report also noted some staff had used “unlawful methods” to restrain residents, such as “pushing people up to a table in an attempt to restrict their movements”

and “the inappropriate use of bedrails to restrict movement.”

The home’s registered provider, Peter Cordery, said: “We have identified factual inaccuracies in the report and it under appeal.”