COPELAND'S new multi-million care home is due to welcome residents next month.

The facility on the former Sekers site in Whitehaven, named by the county council as The Gables, is complete and residents are due to start gradually moving in from the end of April.

The 60-bed care home replaces four older ones in the area: Dentholme, Castle Mount, Pow Beck and Brackenthwaite.

Carlisle's newly built care home, Bunrigg Court, is also due to welcome residents from Petteril House and Langrigg House at the same time.

A county council spokesman said: "The new residential care homes in Carlisle - Burnrigg Court - and Whitehaven - The Gables - are now complete and furnished.

"We are in the process of carrying out staff training and familiarisation with the new homes, systems and procedures. Our existing residents from Petteril House and Langrigg House will be moving into the new homes hopefully in late April - early May and they will have the opportunity to visit the new homes with their family before moving.

"These moving dates are dependent upon Care Quality Commission registration being approved."

The Care Quality Commission is the watch-dog that oversees the running of care homes.

Official openings of the facilities are due to take place in June.

Copeland and Carlisle's are two of three multi-million pound facilities being delivered by Cumbria County Council. The first - Parkview Gardens in Barrow - has already opened.

They will provide modern quality care for older adults, especially those who need to be supported with dementia and complex care needs.

Work to build the homes cost around £6 million for each building. They feature high spec technological equipment and hoists is every room.

Previously, Helen Green, manager of The Gables, said: “I am really looking forward to moving to the new Copeland home, it is exciting times for everyone – staff and service-users.

“I am sure we will face a few challenges along the way which we will all work through together as a team, to ensure service-users feel happy and safe in their new home and to make the transition as smooth as possible.”

The names were chosen following discussions with staff and residents who will be moving into the homes.