A WINCHESTER care home will close its doors after being put into special measures.

Abbeygate Residential Care Home was rated as 'inadequate' overall by the Care Quality Commission after an unannounced inspection in July.

Although it was rated as 'good' in terms of its care, it was told to improve its effectiveness and responsiveness.

It was rated inadequate in terms of its safety and leadership.

It had previously been inspected in March 2016 when they were served with requirement notices.

The home on Quarry Road, which is run by Safequarter, provides accommodation for up to 30 older people, some of whom suffer from dementia.

At the time of this year's inspection, 20 people lived at the home.

The CQC report states: "The home was not clean and well maintained. A programme of maintenance was not in place to improve and maintain the home to ensure people's safety and welfare.

"There were not always sufficient staff deployed to meet people's needs and ensure their safety and welfare.

"Staff did not always have time to fulfil their role and were at times frustrated with the lack of clarity in their role."

However, it goes on to say that "staff cared for people in a kind and empathetic way," and that "people received their medicines in a safe and effective manner".

A staff survey completed in June 2016 had been responded to by three members of staff. One response said: "I think Abbeygate needs improving on team work. There is no 'I' in team."

During the recent inspection three members of staff said there was a lack of 'team spirit' in the home particularly between care staff and domestic staff.

A Safequarter spokeswoman said the decision to close was made before the inspection.

"There was some criticism to do with maintenance (in the report) but we were not going to do this when it was going to be redeveloped," she said.

"Residents are being relocated at the moment, it is all fully being taken care of. Social services came in and they have already begun to allocate and to find them new homes."

A statement from the directors of Safequarter Ltd said: "After many years of providing care for the elderly, Abbeygate Residential Home will be closing for a protracted period from October this year.

"The building needs considerable redevelopment to include en-suite bedrooms, to make it a fully compliant and fit for the future.

"The providers have not taken this decision lightly and understand that this will be an inconvenience and a disappointment to all who have made Abbeygate their home and for the staff who work there.

"They regret not being able to undertake the redevelopment themselves, but they are gratified to know that a high quality care facility is planned and will still be available in this part of Winchester.

"The management team at Abbeygate are working with Hampshire Social Services to help relocate our residents to another suitable home in a resident focused and sympathetic manner.

"The CQC were not aware of this decision when they visited the home and drafted their report. This undoubtedly has had some bearing on their outcomes."