A nursing home in Pwllheli will close “following a long period of financial uncertainty”.

Penrhos Nursing Home, which celebrated its 70th anniversary at the end of last year, told the Cambrian News the decision to close had been made with “deep regret”.

Run by Polish Housing Society Limited, a registered charity founded in 1949 to provide accommodation and support to Polish ex-service men and women, the home has 42 rooms; 32 are currently occupied.

Kasia Rafalat, Polish Housing Society Limited board ,ember, said: “Following a long period of financial uncertainty, it is with deep regret we have taken the decision to move towards a phased closure of the Penrhos after all other options have been explored. This decision will not affect the residents in our sheltered housing.

“Our aim at all times has been focused on protecting the welfare and wellbeing of residents and staff and ensuring that their needs are looked after for the future.

“Financial support from Gwynedd Council means that the nursing home will not need to close straight away and could remain open up until March 2021, during which time staff will be working closely with residents and their families to agree the most suitable options for their future care.

“PHS is continuing to work with Gwynedd Council, the Health Board and ClwydAlyn to develop a full plan for the closure of the nursing home, with all partners committed to the longer-term development of the site."

The Penrhos Polish Home on the Llyn Peninsula is based at the old air base at RAF Penrhos, which was chosen because it had served as a demobilisation camp for Polish servicemen after the war and the facilities on site were ideal for providing instant accommodation.

Over time, the wooden barracks were replaced by purpose-built flats suitable for elderly people requiring sheltered housing, residential and nursing care.

What had started as a former air base became a Polish village with a church, library, common rooms, shop and allotments.

The home lies in approximately 20 acres of grounds with a wide variety of trees, shrubs and flowers and lawns surrounding the buildings on the site. There is a walled garden and plenty of areas where residents may walk.

It is understood the recent development will not affect those living in the 63 sheltered care units, with Clwyd Alyn housing association currently in discussions over their long-term future.

Gwynedd Council’s Cabinet has already approved its application to operate in Gwynedd as a social housing provider, allowing elements of the site to be transferred to Clwyd Alyn.

A Gwynedd Council spokesperson said: “Following severe financial difficulties and regulatory challenges, Polish Housing Society Limited has informed us that they have no option but to prepare for a phased closure of their care and nursing home in Penrhos.

“As a council, we are working to try and establish a joint support package that would ensure that the home’s residents continue to receive the care they require, allowing time for them, their families, and Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board to respond to the situation and identify suitable alternatives that meet their care and/or nursing needs.

“We are considering with PHS, Betsi Cadwaladr, Clwyd Alyn Housing Association and other potential partners possible long-term plans for the future of the site.

“The Penrhos site also includes 63 sheltered care units, which are not impacted by PHS’s decision to proceed with a phased closure of the care home.”

The Cambrian News understands a meeting will be held this week.

Clwyd Alyn has been asked to comment.