ELDERLY residents with dementia will be forced to move to new accommodation due to the closure of their care home following theft and embezzlement allegations.

Around 45 people are facing uncertain futures after council chiefs from North Ayrshire Council stepped in to rescue residents of Seabank Care home in Saltcoats, North Ayrshire.

The majority of residents at the home come from the “three towns” area of Saltcoats, Ardrossan and Stevenston.

A further 89 staff ­working there are also in limbo after the allegations emerged and police were called in.

The care home remains open for now but will close before the end of January next year, according to the local authority.

Carers told relatives of residents to “move them as soon as you can”, but staff are also “scared” about their own situation and whether they will have a job when the home shuts on January 23.

Andrew Byrne, a former worker at the home, said he was “saddened and shocked” by the closure.

He added: “Hope things go positive for all the residents and staff.”

No-one was available for comment on the matter at Seabank Care, which also operates Woodside Care Home at Quarriers Village in Bridge of Weir, Renfrewshire.

But a spokesman for Police Scotland said: “A 47-year-old man has been arrested and charged and will be the subject of a report to the Procurator Fiscal in connection with alleged theft and embezzlement from a care home in Saltcoats.”

North Ayrshire Health and Social Care Partnership said: “Our highest priority is the safety and wellbeing of the residents in Seabank Care Home. Every effort will be made to support residents, families and carers through this difficult and unsettling period.

“The closure means that all residents living within the facility who are funded by North Ayrshire Council will be required to move.

“We have notified residents, families and carers of this situation and will discuss new care home placements with them to ensure people’s wishes are fully considered and fulfilled, where possible.

“We have allocated a team of staff whose aim is to ensure resident’s transition to their new home is as smooth, calm and straightforward as possible.

“The team will be working with residents and their families and carers to ensure they are safe and cared for appropriately during this time.

“We will also have staff based within the care home every day over the next two weeks to offer support to all residents.”

Inverclyde Council said it would provide accommodation at Woodside Care Home if required by residents’ relatives.

A spokesman said: “We are closely monitoring the situation and are well-placed to offer alternative accommodation if needed.”

A spokesman for the Care Inspectorate said: “The Care Inspectorate is aware that North Ayrshire health and social care partnership has decided to cancel its contract with Seabank Care home.

“We understand this is a distressing time for people who live in the home, and for their loved ones.

“The Care Inspectorate continues to liaise closely with our partners to ensure the rights of people who live in the home are respected and that their needs continue to be met.”