THREE companies owned by a care group have gone into administration leading to the closure of a specialist home for disabled people and two other homes being put up for sale in the Bradford district.

A total of 28 residents at the St Ives Disabled Care Centre, based at a leased former mansion on the countryside estate in Harden, are being moved out after Elder Homes Bingley Ltd was placed in the hands of administrators.

The company's two other residential care centres in the district, Duchess Gardens in Lady Lane, Bingley, and The Links in Barkerend, Bradford, which were owned by Elder Homes Bradford Ltd and Elder Homes Leeds Ltd, are being sold by the administrators - but as going concerns to other care home businesses.

Harden Parish Council chairman Pam Laking said she spoke to administrators Grant Thornton UK yesterday in her role as chairman of Friends of St Ives.

"People have lived there for so long that it's not just their home, everyone there is like family to them - I feel so sorry for them, they are the most vulnerable people," she said.

"The place itself has been let to go to ruin, there are leaks in the roof and residents have told us staff have to put bowls and buckets out when it rains."

St Ives historian Mrs Laking said the Ferrand family sold the house to Bingley Urban District Council in 1927 for £36,000 and it was leased to an independent health care trust in 1994, which went in to liquidation and the long lease was then taken over by Clacton-based Elder Homes.

"Bradford Council wanted to sell it off 25 years ago and there was talk of a dry ski slope in the grounds, but a protest group stopped them doing it."

She said there were concerns for a walled heritage garden beside the house.

"Friends of St Ives have put in some £13,000 in grant money to create a heritage garden full of ancient plants and we had a lease which technically ran out in October last year, so I have been speaking to the administrators as we're very worried about what might happen to it."

Joe McLean, joint administrator of Elder Homes Bingley Limited, said: "The welfare of the residents in our care in all of the homes affected by administration remains of paramount importance.

"The safe relocation of all residents at St Ives is a priority and this exercise is being handled sensitively.

"In this regard, the administrators are grateful to the Health Authorities, and Bradford Council for their proactive and effective assistance and co-operation.

"Duchess Gardens in Bingley is one of the options being considered by everyone. Duchess Gardens is registered to provide a variety of different care packages and is not a dementia-only provider.

"The collaboration between the residents, their relatives, the Health Authorities, Bradford Council and the administrators will continue as everyone remains committed towards the safe and sensitive relocation of every St Ives resident."

Mr McLean stressed that there was no rush or deadline for the home's closure, but that it was considered in everyone's best interest if that were without much delay.

The St Ives home has been in special measures imposed by the Care Quality Commission since an inspection in November 2014 found it inadequate in all areas.

Duchess Gardens was also found inadequate in providing care which was safe, effective, caring, responsive or well led after an inspection last year.

Mr McLean said that since his appointment as administrator there had been significant progress at Duchess Gardens.

Bernard Lanigan, Bradford Council's interim strategic director adult and community services, said regarding St Ives: "The closure is being brought about by the administrators on the basis it is not a viable entity.

"The Council is working closely with the administrators and residents to ensure suitable alternative care arrangements are put in place."