Two Somerset care homes which were threatened with closure could be saved if a new offer to run them is accepted by Somerset Council.

Somerset Care announced on February 28 that it would be consulting on the closure of the Sunnymeade facility on Hellier's Close in Chard and the Critchill Court care home on Lynwood Close in Frome.

The news has prompted outcry from local councillors, with petitions being launched in a bid to prevent both facilities from closure.

Now there is light at the end of the tunnel after Agincare -which runs the Beaufort Park Retirement Village in Burnham-on-Sea – expressed an interest in taking over both facilities.

Councillor Connor Payne, who represents the Chard South division on Somerset Council, confirmed the company's interest by posting a statement from Somerset Care on his official Facebook page.

The statement read: "Somerset Care has been approached by a national, independent care provider which have expressed an interest in taking on the running of Critchill Court and Sunnymeade care homes.

"Agincare is a family-owned care provider who operate a number of care homes around the country, including one in Somerset.

"It has put forward a proposal to acquire the two care home businesses from Somerset Care, and take on the lease of the buildings from Somerset Council. This proposal is currently with our solicitors, who are testing the viability of Agincare's offer.

"While the proposed purchase of Critchill Court and Sunnymeade by Agincare is being negotiated in good faith by all parties, the outcome is not yet certain.

"However, we wanted to do the right thing by telling our employees, residents and their relatives as much as we can, as early as we can, and so have communicated with them today.

"We will provide further updates about the viability of Agincare's proposal, and what this means for those currently living and working in these two homes, as soon as we are able to do so."

While the negotiations with Agincare are ongoing, Somerset Care has suspended its consultation with staff, residents and their families.

To sign Mr Payne's petition against the care home closures, visit www.change.org/p/stop-somerset-care-closures-in-somerset-frome-critchill-court-chard-sunnymeade.