Housing charity Abbeyfield is to close 29 properties with a further 14 still under consultation.

The decision follows a consultation on 43 services which were no longer financially sustainable and in need of renovation that was launched on 15 May.

An Abbeyfield spokesperson said: “Over the past few months, we’ve spoken at length with residents, families, staff, stakeholders, and other organisations about the different options available that may be able to keep the properties open and serving their communities. This has included over 80 external housing providers, dozens of MPs, several local authorities and county councillors, and many of our own member societies.

“However, despite our best efforts and engagement with everyone impacted, we have been unable to find a viable long-term solution for many of the properties. We have therefore made the difficult decision to proceed with the closure of 29 of the properties. A further 14 properties are still under consultation while we continue to explore all potential solutions and a decision on the future of those properties will be made this winter.

“We know that the closures announced so far will be extremely disappointing and unwelcome news for the people affected. As a charity, we never want to close any of our sheltered housing schemes or care homes. However, part of being a responsible organisation is recognising when you need to make a difficult decision, and this is one of those occasions.

“Our priority now is to provide affected residents and colleagues with the support they need to find alternative accommodation and job opportunities. The closure processes will be completed as soon as is practically possible, once residents have found new homes that meets their needs and where they will be happy.”