Social services has been called in to help find beds for 11 vulnerable elderly patients after the owner of a Moretonhampstead care home told officials she had run out of money.

Holcombe House, Butterdon Lane, had facilities to care for up to 21 people and specialised in looking after people with dementia.

Independently run by owner Sue Owens in 13 acres of picturesque gardens, the latest inspection by the Care Quality Committee resulted in a glowing report.

But now it has emerged the home has run out of funds and has to close within the week.

Mrs Owens was not available to speak to the Advertiser and staff at Holcombe House would not comment on the news.

This week leading members of the Senior Council of Devon criticised the home for giving just one week's notice of closure to residents.

Devon County Council confirmed it was told last week that Mrs Owens was unable to continue operating the home but that contrary to media reports it had not gone into administration.

A spokesman for the authority said of the 11 residents at the home, three were funded by the council, the rest private.

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