A THREAT of closure could be lifted from a nursing home, following an agreement reached between health chiefs and the owner.

Barry Parvin, proprietor of the Graceland Care Home, at Guisborough, east Cleveland, said after a meeting with Langbaurgh Primary Care Trust (PCT) and Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council's social services department that there had been "some positive developments".

He said: "It was agreed by Langbaurgh PCT in the meeting that they will be implementing a block-booking contract for nursing homes, including Graceland. This means that Graceland will be guaranteed the nursing income for a contracted number of residents and, therefore, will be able to retain its qualified nursing staff.

"Langbaurgh PCT has promised that they will put the block-booking contract in writing within seven days.

"If this written contract confirms the block-booking system as was explained yesterday, Graceland will be able to stabilise, and the notice of closure will be removed, securing the home of its residents and the jobs of its staff."

Mr Parvin announced plans to close the home earlier this year, saying the council and the PCT were not paying enough for him to keep his staff above the minimum wage.

Relatives of residents of the home, friends and staff have held a protest march through Guisborough, and several public meetings.

The council is responsible for 14 of the residents, while the remaining 37 are looked after by the Primary Care Trust.

Mr Parvin thanked supporters, staff and relatives and paid tribute to the "professionalism" of the trust.

No one at the trust was available for comment last night.