TALKS have begun in a bid to save a Guisborough care home from closure.

Barry Parvin, proprietor of the Graceland care home, in Belmangate, announced last week that it was to close, with the loss of 120 beds.

He said Redcar and Cleveland Council and Langbaurgh NHS Trust were not paying enough money for him to pay his staff above the minimum wage.

The news followed the announcement of the imminent closure of the Nessfield nursing home, in Nunthorpe, and the recent closure of St David's care home, owned by Bupa, which was shut after being damaged by fire.

The council has described the situation in the borough as a crisis and has said Graceland should not be closed until places are found for all the residents. But Dr Ashok Kumar MP believes there is a sign of hope in the battle to keep the home open, following a meeting last Friday between Mr Parvin and his wife, representatives of Redcar and Cleveland social services and Langbaurgh NHS Trust.

After the meeting, all parties confirmed their commitment to trying to keep the home open while options were explored.

"These are early days yet, but I am encouraged by the fact that Mr and Mrs Parvin have said they are prepared to consider the proposals that will be put to them by the NHS and social services," said Dr Kumar.

Jon Chadwick, chief executive of the trust, and Maurice Bates, director of social services, issued a joint statement, saying: "Our top concern is the welfare of the residents and we will do anything in our power to provide the right accommodation for them.

"We are working closely with the home owners to try and keep it open.

"We understand the families will be anxious and concerned and we are available to meet them and talk to them."