Mystery surrounds the future of a Workington respite centre for people with learning disabilities 10 months after a catalogue of failings forced it to close.

Cavendish House on Elizabeth Street closed suddenly last April after inspectors from the Care Quality Commission said people were exposed to harm or serious risk there and rated the service inadequate.

Cumbria County Council, which ran the centre, was ordered to suspend admissions, forcing respite bookings to be cancelled and three people who were staying there long term to be moved.

Alternative respite was provided in Carlisle or Kendal.

Now a CQC spokesman has confirmed that the commission will have the option to remove the centre's registration once it has been closed for 12 months if the council shows no intention of reopening it.

The spokesman added that it would start discussions with the council in April to find out whether there are plans to reopen it.

But a council spokesman said no decision had been taken on whether the council wanted to reopen the centre.

He added: "Cavendish House remains unoccupied and the future of the building remains under review."

The catalogue of concerns logged by the CQC inspectors who visited Cavendish House included not always identifying and reporting potential abuse, problems with cleaning, disrepair and inspection control, failure to obtain lawful consent when restricting people's liberty, people being left for long periods without interaction, failures in accessing medical assistance, and lack of supervision and support for staff.

The inspectors highlighted a “failure of governance and oversight” by the council.

Cavendish House supported up to six people at a time and helped about 15 service users a year.

Their stays were intended to give families a rest from full-time care and service users a change of scenery and activities.