A CARE home in Basingstoke will close, after a vote was taken by Cabinet members at Hampshire County Council.

The unanimous decision yesterday means Deeside, in Alliston Way, South Ham, will close in autumn next year, when its 24 residents will move to a specialist wing at the Oakridge House care home.

Members also voted to close care homes in Petersfield and Romsey, but to keep open Cranleigh Paddock, in Lyndhurst, due to its “expert nature of care”.

In total, around 80 long-term residents, some of whom have dementia and are physically frail, will need to be relocated.

Councillor Roy Perry, leader of Hampshire County Council, said: “This has been a very difficult decision because we are conscious that we are talking about people’s homes.

“We want to ensure their care needs are properly met now, as well as ensuring that care can be delivered in the best possible way in the future.

“This means offering quality, care services and facilities that are fit for the 21st Century.”

The county council is investing £45million into Extra Care schemes, such as Newman Court, in Gershwin Road, Brighton Hill, which it says offers elderly people assisted living with greater independence.

Some of the campaigners attempting to save Deeside shouted “shame” as the decision was made.

*For more on this story and reaction to the decision, read The Gazette on Thursday.