A JOBS bombshell has been delivered to dozens of care home workers at Trees Park Healthcare in Middleton St George.

The independent residential care community is to close three of its lodges as part of a "refocusing" of priorities. The decision, which will see dozens of care workers' jobs go, will also leave elderly people looking for new homes.

Owner of the site, Affinity Healthcare, has been unable to offer staff alternative jobs and elderly residents will not be moved into the other lodges.

Staff affected by the closures had no idea their jobs were under threat until they were given three months' notice.

One care worker, who asked not to be named, said: "We have been treated absolutely disgracefully and we are also concerned about the effect it will have on the residents."

A spokesman for Trees Park Healthcare said: "This is part of a refocusing of priorities of the healthcare site to safeguard the future, with substantial investment currently being made in a range of new and essential hospital services.

"There is a surplus of beds in the nursing home and care sector and we will work closely with the relevant authorities to ensure residents' needs are dealt with sensitively.

"The staff involved are care staff and ancillary workers and we would expect them to find alternative employment."

Formerly known as Trees Park Village, the site was bought by Affinity Healthcare in May last year.

It recently underwent a multi-million pound refurbishment, which included the opening of a 20-bed acute psychiatric care unit.

Darlington Borough Council is aware of the situation and a spokesman said: "We have got people from social services at Trees Park evaluating the situation."