Local people have welcomed news that an empty care home in Yeovil, Somerset is to reopen in January.

The former Acacia Lodge on Hendford Hill, which has been empty for a number of years, is being refitted by Camelot Care for its expected relaunch as Chestnut Lodge in January.

The home will initially offer nursing care for up to 24 people living with dementia, with more rooms becoming available later in the year.

Graham Oakes, who is currently serving as leader of the town council, will be the home’s manager.

He comes to Chestnut Lodge from a care home in Bridport, Dorset, which was rated Outstanding by CQC under his management, and has also worked as a regional care director for a major healthcare group, as well as being involved in turnaround work.

He said: “We are recruiting a brand-new top-notch team to deliver the best quality care to the people we’ll be supporting, and are keen to hear from individuals who might like to join us.

“Depending on the role, experience in the care sector is sometimes less important than the character and motivation of the applicant so anyone who thinks they might enjoy working as part of our team should feel free to contact me and find out more.”

Local people welcomed news of the care home opening after opposing a previous move to turn the site into a hostel for the homeless.

Reactions on Facebook included: “Fantastic news, at long last, being used for the purpose it was built for” and “This is brilliant news. A care home is so needed.”

Anyone with an interest in employment at Chestnut Lodge should contact Lorna on [email protected]