A decision to close a Norfolk care home within weeks, despite it being rated as good by watchdogs, has come under fire.

More than 900 people have signed a petition against next month's closure of the 30-bedroom Burman House in Terrington St John, between King's Lynn and Wisbech.

Burman House is facing closureBurman House is facing closure (Image: Chris Bishop)

Norse Care, a company owned by Norfolk County Council, announced last month that it intended to shut the Mill Road home, which was saved from closure in 2018.

Norse bosses said the home, rated as good by the Care Quality Commission just 12 months ago, was no longer fit for purpose to meet the increasingly complex needs of residents.

But campaigners started a petition calling for it to remain open.

And, at a meeting of the county council's Conservative-controlled cabinet on Monday, councillors were accused of washing their hands of the decision, even though they own the building and the company closing it.

Alexandra KempAlexandra Kemp (Image: Newsquest)

Alexandra Kemp, independent county councillor for Clenchwarton and King's Lynn South, said: "Closing any care home risks affecting the residents' wellbeing.

"Closure may destabilise the local health and care sector, contrary to the council's Care Act duty and increase the severe shortage of care homes and community beds in west Norfolk.

"Can cabinet control its subsidiary, invest in west Norfolk and keep Burman House open?"

Alison ThomasAlison Thomas (Image: Archant)

But Alison Thomas, cabinet member for adult social care, said: "The decision to close Burman has been made by Norse Care, which is a stand-alone independent company.

"The Norfolk care market is overseen by the adult social services department, who are confident this Norse decision will not cause instability in the west Norfolk Care market."

Bosses at Norse said the size and configurations of the rooms were not adequate to provide complex care.

Jo Huxtable, senior director at Norse Care, said: "We are saddened to close Burman House, but the wellbeing of our residents is our top priority.

"We are working closely with residents and their families to ensure everyone finds a new home that meets their needs."

The closure comes at a time when the county council has agreed to review the contract it has with Norse Care, due to end in 2026.

Norse Care runs 19 homes across Norfolk, providing care across 844 residential beds.