Residents at two Bury care homes have been shocked by news they have just 28 days to find a new home.

The notice closure for the 14-bed Elizabeth House and 18-bed Moorfields care homes was announced by administrator Kroll which has been running the services since November.

Kroll said they had been unable to sell the homes to new operators and intended to put them up for auction by Christmas.

A change.org petition created by a care home staff member said: “We are desperately looking for a buyer to invest in our homes. Last week we were told we have 28 days to vacate the building and find our 32 residents new homes. We had a last minute buyer come forward but it unfortunately fell through.

“We can’t let these homes close and we desperately need your help to help save our homes, we have 32 vulnerable adults who are happy and settled here. We have some residents over 100 years old whose lives will be turned upside down by this move.

“We love our residents and we love our home, we don’t want our family to end. We need help to stop the closure of these homes, we don’t have long. We need an investor or help from our council.”

A Bury Council spokesperson said: “We were shocked to be given 28 days’ notice of the closure of these homes by the administrators, which has understandably caused families a great deal of concern.

“We are now working with the families and care providers across the borough of Bury to find alternative accommodation for all the residents.”

Julie Wilby, Director at Kroll, said: “The joint administrators have taken the difficult decision to close two Bury care homes, Elizabeth House and Moorfields. 

“Unfortunately, despite several months of marketing and speaking with potential buyers, we have been unable to secure a sale for these two care homes. We are working closely with staff, families and the local authorities to transfer residents to suitable alternative services before the end of October. 

“Sadly, we have had to notify staff that the closure of the homes will likely result in them being made redundant. We will support them as they continue to provide excellent care to residents in the difficult weeks ahead. Where possible, we will assist them in finding other opportunities for new employment. We anticipate that the vacant properties will be entered into a sale by auction before Christmas.”