STAFF, residents and members of the local community have reacted with shock at the news a long-standing care home in Romsey is considering closure.

Last week, Edwina Mountbatten House, a care home in Palmerston Street run by not-for-profit organisation The Countess Mountbatten of Burma Memorial Trust, said that it was exploring options after operating costs had proved too much.

A statement from the board of trustees, that run the home, said: "In the current economic and social climate, the costs of running a small care home outweigh the revenue we can obtain from the rooms which is our only source of income.

READ MORE: Care home in Romsey considers closure due to 'financial pressure and staffing issues'

"We have begun consultation with our staff on ways to avoid closure and advised our residents and their families of the situation.

“We will only move to closure when we are convinced that there is no alternative."

The home, which has 23 beds supported by 30 full and part time staff, was founded in the memory of Lady Edwina Mountbatten, 1st Countess Mountbatten of Burma in 1970.

People have reacted with shock at the news, including staff.

One family member of a resident said: "We are so sad about it. Totally at a loss as to what we can do to save this fabulous home."

Others took to Facebook to express their upset.

Susan Pidgley said: "It's more than a home, it's a family. I cannot believe this is happening to such a wonderful home. The fight is on to keep our home."

Kirsty Russell said: "We need Romsey more than ever to help with fundraising to save Edwina."

A statement sent to the Romsey Advertiser on behalf of the staff said they felt 'let down' by the situation and they urged people to do all they can to help them keep the home open.

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It said: "We feel we have been let down. We have worked our butts off during the pandemic. We have not lost any one to Covid, our residents have all been safe.

"Our residents are well cared for and we go above and beyond to make sure they are all treated with respect and dignity everyday.

"We feel the trustees have made their mind up and want us to close. We feel even if we raised the money they would still close.

"We can't leave to go to other jobs. We can't leave our residents to look after themselves, we are added members of their families, we love them all.

"We need the whole of Romsey to get behind us. We know times are hard, we the staff are struggling too, but any donations to Edwina would be so appreciated. Help us save our home."

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