STAFF and residents at a care home in Studley, sold off by Warwickshire County Council, are celebrating after finding a new owner.

Four Acres, which was opened by the county council in the 1970s, is now being run by private company Runwood Homes.

The transfer has assured a future for the home, as well as its occupants, and there is even talk of attracting new investment and ambitious expansion plans.

Councillor Izzi Seccombe, portfolio holder for adult social care at Warwickshire County Council, said: “I am delighted we have been able to secure positive future for Four Acres with Runwood Homes who have a strong track record in providing high quality care.

“Runwood Homes are committed to investing in and improving the facilities of all of the transferred Warwickshire homes and we will continue to work closely with them to meet the needs of older residents in the local area.”

The Advertiser reported in July last year that the care home, as well as several others, were being sold off by the county council.

It followed a consultation on the future of Warwickshire’s residential care homes in July 2010, which was driven by demographic and budgetary pressures.

Gordon Sanders, from Runwood Homes, said: “We are very aware of the high regard in which Four Acres and their dedicated staff are held in the local community, and we are committed to building upon this further in the future.”