Up to 40 “frightened” and elderly residents face an uncertain future after financial difficulties were blamed for the planned closure of a historic care home.

The Penrhos Polish Home, which recently celebrated its 70th anniversary, was set up to provide accommodation and support to Polish ex-service men and women who remained in Britain following the Second World War.

But, in a shock move blamed on “a long period of financial uncertainty” and the costs of improving the home to meet modern standards, its charity owners have announced plans for a “phased closure” of its nursing and care facilities by March 2021.

Established on the old air base at RAF Penrhos, which had served as a demobilisation camp for Polish servicemen near Pwllheli, the wooden barracks were replaced by purpose-built flats suitable for elderly people requiring sheltered housing, residential and nursing care.

By now, the Polish Village also has a church, library, common rooms, shop and allotments.

The planned closure is set to affect more than 30 current care and nursing home residents, with Gwynedd council having stepped in to offer support in the meantime.

However, it’s understood that it 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.

But the daughter of one resident, who did not wish to be named, said that some had lived at Penrhos for as long as 20 years and were “very frightened”.

She said: “It’s not just the residents that will suffer because of this move, but also the staff.

“Most of them live on site and are also mainly Polish.

“As a result,  management, office workers, maintenance and grounds people all face job insecurity and homelessness.”

Polish Home Society (PHS) board member Kasia Rafalat said the decision was taken “with deep regret” after all other options had been explored.

“Our aim at all times has been focussed on protecting the welfare and well-being of residents and staff and ensuring that their needs are looked after for the future,” she said.

“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 Clwyd Alyn to develop a full plan for the closure of the scheme, with all partners committed to the longer-term development of the site.”

Clwyd Alyn’s chief executive Clare Budden said: “We fully understand why the board of PHS have had to make this very difficult decision.

“The welfare and well-being of residents and staff has been and will continue to be a priority for all partners in exploring options for the future of the site.”

The last inspection report, carried out in October 2019, described that people were happy with the nursing and care home facilities, maintaining good relationships with the staff, but also raised concerns over aspects of the safeguarding arrangements.

The local councillor, Angela Russell, said that the news had caused “great concern” in the community and described the Polish home as a “cherished asset” in Pen Llyn.

Cllr Russell, the leader of the independent group, added: “There’s a real lack of nursing homes in the area and I fear that the loss of Penrhos would mean more bed blocking at Ysbyty Bryn Beryl, not to mention the language aspect as the home is a trilingual one using Welsh, English and Polish.

“Penrhos, being so central, is also convenient for everyone in Pen Llyn and is usually only a single bus ride away, but I fear the consequences if residents are moved to who knows where.”

Local MP Liz Saville Roberts said she had been in contact with all partners to try to ensure that the needs of the residents are met, as well as the concerns of families during this “difficult and uncertain time”.

She added: “With 31 nursing beds and 11 residential beds, it’s vital that all options are explored to find suitable alternative provision in good time, which meet the care needs of the residents.

“We must also be alert to the increasing demands on local care providers and the need to safeguard nursing beds in dispersed, rural communities such as Pen Llyn.”

A Gwynedd Council spokesperson said: “Following severe financial difficulties and regulatory challenges, Polish Housing Society Limited (PHS) 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 University Health Board, 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.”