The future of Westbury Court care home is one of four across Gloucestershire that is in doubt.

Gloucestershire County Council’s Cabinet is expected to give the go-ahead for a consultation on closing the home in Westbury along with others in Gloucester, Tewkesbury and Stroud.

If Cabinet agrees the proposals on Wednesday (March 30), the county council, and The Orders of St John Care Trust, who run the care homes as part of the Gloucestershire Care Partnership, a six-week consultation with residents, families and staff will be carried out.

Council leader Cllr Mark Hawthorne (Con, Quedgeley) said: “These proposals reflect the outcome of the market engagement we carried out last year and the changing needs and preferences of Gloucestershire residents.

“I understand closing homes will cause concern to residents living in them and their families. That is why, if the recommendations are agreed next week, we will spend six weeks consulting with residents and their relatives, before a final decision is taken by cabinet in June.

“There will of course always be a need for residential care for those who need long term care and the changes that are being proposed will help ensure they receive this in modern facilities that have en-suite bathrooms and is flexible enough to adapt as needs of an individual change and develop.”

“The results of the consultation will be reported to the June Cabinet meeting where Cabinet members will be asked to take a final decision on whether or not to proceed with the closure of the four care homes.

“If plans to close are approved residents and those who support them will be fully supported in finding the most appropriate way to meet their needs.”

The council says demand for standard residential care home places has been falling consistently for the past five years and more people are wanting to be cared for at home.