PENSIONERS were given less than two weeks to move out of their closing care home.

Dovercourt House residents have been told to leave the home in Fronks Road by tomorrow.

The news the business would be going into liquidation and the home closing was broken to the 14 residents and staff last Monday.

The residents are believed to have all been moved to other homes in Harwich, Clacton, Kirby Cross and Colchester but the staff will become unemployed.

Harwich and North Essex MP Sir Bernard Jenkin said: “It’s a shocking closure and I am distressed the residents have had to be moved out so quickly but the residents’ families are grateful Essex County Council has provided so much support.

“Some of them have found alternative care homes in Harwich but others have to move to Colchester.

“I feel sorry for the staff. There are about 25 staff members.”

Ivan Henderson, Essex county councillor for Harwich, said the residents should have been given “adequate” time to move.

He said: “Something we need to do is talk to Essex County Council in the event of this happening again as it is really disturbing for the residents and their families.

“They were only given about two weeks’ notice. They don’t want to feel like they have to leave their home.”

Susannah Howard’s 80-year-old mum had been living in Dovercourt House for the past year. She was moved to Beaumont Manor, in Kirby Cross, on Tuesday.

Mrs Howard said her mum, who has dementia, likes the new home but needs to become used to her new surroundings.

She added: “I am grateful for the care the team at the home gave my mum and I am also really grateful for the Essex Council Council staff for their social care team supporting our family and other families.”

An Essex County Council spokesman said: “On February 20, the owner of Dovercourt House care home informed us that the business would be going into liquidation and they would be looking to close Dovercourt House in Harwich.

“Essex County Council has no control over the closure of this home.

“We understand this is a short timeframe, however, despite our efforts to agree a longer timescale, this has not been possible.

“As always, our priority is the wellbeing and safety of the residents.

“We are working closely with the residents and their families to support them to move to safe, suitable accommodation of their choice.”

The Gazette approached Dovercourt House for comment but it did not respond at the time of going to press.