September 04, 2026 - 222 views
An appeal has been made for elderly residents affected by the planned closure of supported living facilities in three North Wales towns to be given extensive support to find new homes.
Clwyd MS Darren Millar has called for the needs of residents and their families to be placed at the centre of the process after the Codi Group announced plans to close Abbeyfield House facilities in Abergele, Mold and Ruthin.
The Codi Group, which owns and manages the three homes, announced the proposed closures in June.
The news has caused concern among residents, families and staff, with questions raised about where residents will live and what will happen to employees working at the facilities.
Following the announcement, Mr Millar wrote to the Codi Group seeking an explanation for the closures and assurances that residents' needs would be prioritised.
In its response, the organisation said it was “highly unlikely” that the proposed closures would be reversed.
However, it said it would work with local authorities and registered social landlords to identify suitable alternative accommodation and ensure residents' needs are met. The group also said it would manage the process “as sensitively as possible.”
Mr Millar said the announcement had come as a shock to those living and working at the homes.
“News of the closure of these facilities came as a shock to staff, residents and their families.
“It is absolutely vital that vulnerable residents get the support they need from the Codi Group to find alternative housing, and that staff get the help they need to find new jobs.
“Residents have built their lives, friendships and support networks at Abbeyfield over years, so news that these closures will almost certainly go ahead will be extremely difficult news to hear.”
He said finding alternative accommodation should not simply be a case of offering residents the first available property.
“Residents must not simply be moved into the first accommodation that becomes available. Their individual needs, preferences, friendships, support networks and connections to their local community must all be properly considered.”
Abbeyfield homes are designed to provide older people with accommodation alongside varying levels of support and opportunities for social interaction, allowing residents to retain a degree of independence while having help available when needed.
For residents who have lived in the homes for many years, a move could therefore involve more than simply changing their address, potentially affecting established friendships, routines and links with their local communities.
Mr Millar said he would continue to monitor the situation.
“I will continue to monitor this situation closely and will press Codi, the local authorities and other partners to ensure residents and their families are properly supported and kept informed at every stage.”
