FALLOUT from the closure of a York care home started today when the city council said the owner should have shown "seasonal goodwill" and given it a stay of execution.

The authority also slammed Laurens Manor manager Tony Tait for allegedly spurning "pleas" to meet in a bid to extend the life of the Lawrence Street building.

But Mr Tait insists the council had offered him only stopgap measures.

The Evening Press revealed yesterday how the care home is due to close on December 18 - sparking a frantic search for new homes for more than 20 vulnerable elderly people.

Mr Tait blamed a cash crisis and lack of council support for the "heartbreaking" decision.

But Rob Hurren, assistant director of community services at City of York Council, said: "We have been trying to meet with him since last Friday to secure an extension. He appears unwilling to meet us. Despite pleas for an extension he has now confirmed in writing closure will definitely happen.

"Our immediate priority is to make contact with residents and carers and to look for new placements. It will be extremely difficult to find alternative accommodation within these time-scales, given the scarcity of nursing home beds in and outside York.

"We also clearly recognise closure brings a lot of distress for both older people, and that it is happening just before Christmas is even more distressing.

"It would have been appreciated if the proprietor could have at least extended some goodwill at this time of year and at least worked with the council on giving us more time.

Mr Tait said the council offer was only a "temporary solution".

He said: "The council has only wanted to meet me to discuss if I will stay open for a three-month period whilst residents are being transferred. They have been fully aware of our financial position since October, how much it has been costing us to stay open and the likelihood our home may close."

He revealed he has offered the council the chance to lease the home, but is awaiting a response.

Updated: 10:48 Tuesday, November 25, 2003