TWO care homes are set to close leaving 50 old people needing to find new accommodation.

Blatchington House in Seaford will close in September leaving 34 elderly residents needing a new home.

Consultation has begun over the planned closure of St Joseph’s in Bristol Road, Brighton.

Thirty-four elderly residents will need to find a new home at the former and 16 at the latter.

Meanwhile 80 jobs are also at risk.

The Seaford home, in Firle Road, is family run and is closing down because of plumbing problems.

John Breeds, director of Blatchington House, said: “We have had a lot of problems with the building’s piping and we also had a major leak. We have been told major work would be needed and it would be too big a job to complete while we have residents in the home.”

He added: “It is very sad indeed as a lot of good work has been done here and we have built up an excellent reputation.

“We will be doing everything we can to relocate our 34 residents and we will be trying to find jobs at our Brighton home for members of staff.”

Some of the residents have already been re-located. Mr Breeds said they are working to find them all new homes by the end of September - when the home is due to close.

The Institute of Our Lady of Mercy, owners of St Joseph’s announced plans yesterday to close the home.

Jim McDonnell, a spokesman for the home, said the “regrettable decision” was made because the three sisters who run the group are now elderly and unable to cope with the workload.

He said the limited space also made the future of the home unviable with rising costs and increased demand.

He added: “Care homes are becoming more and more expensive and looking to the future we would have to have been able to expand to make it viable.

“It is really very sad but they wanted to consolidate the homes they have. It wasn’t an easy decision as two of their own sisters are at the home.”

A consultation has begun with both residents and staff. A final decision will be made at its conclusion.

Mr McDonnell added: “The priority is the welfare of the residents and everything will be done to minimise the disruption to them at what will be a difficult time for them and their families.

“In the event of closure going ahead, they will be offered help and support to enable them to find alternative accommodation which meets their needs.”

Both homes received good reports following their latest Care Quality Commission inspection.