Four care homes in Cornwall are set to close this spring – a decision that will leave residents “absolutely devastated” according to relatives.

Clinton Lodge in Redruth, Acorn Park Lodge in Redruth, Highdowns in Camborne and Pendean Court in Liskeard are all run by Achieve Together, but are due to close on April 25 unless an alternative provider can be found.

The company said it had been “unsuccessful in securing the fee levels required to ensure the sustainability of these homes” that had led to the decision to hand back the contracts.

Cornwall Council said that it had supported Achieve Together after the Care Quality Commission had raised concerns during inspections of all four homes, but that the company had “taken the decision to prioritise other services.”

The impending closures have caused upset among the relatives of those living in the homes, who said the letter announcing the decision had come like “a bolt out of the blue”, with no prior warning.

The sister of one of the residents at Clinton Lodge told the Packet her brother would be “absolutely devastated” to leave, saying: “It’s not ‘a home’ it’s ‘his home’.”

Liz Sturman Ward, who lives in Helston, said: “I think he’s going to be absolutely devastated if he has to leave there. He’s been there for almost ten years.

“Because it’s a small home they are like family. My concern is they move him and he’ll just become a number again.

“He’s been in care all his adult life and this is the first time that he has actually been happy in a care home.”

She was full of praise for the staff, saying they had supported her brother through some difficult times, including two family bereavements last year.

Liz added that her brother, who is 41 and has cerebral palsy, “lives there like in an ordinary home,” helping in the kitchen and going to the shops.

She said a meeting had been arranged with Cornwall Council on Wednesday afternoon, with all the relatives of residents in all four homes invited to attend.

Achieve Together told the Packet: “Despite working with our colleagues at Cornwall Council over a number of months we have been unsuccessful in securing the fee levels required to ensure the sustainability of these homes.

“Regrettably, this has led to the decision to hand back the care and support contracts.”

A spokesperson for Cornwall Council told the Packet: “Cornwall Council and NHS Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly Integrated Care Board are working together to support residents, their families and staff affected by Achieve Together’s decision to close these homes.

“The majority of their services in Cornwall have been identified by the Care Quality Commission as performing poorly and we have continued to support them to improve their performance and provide value for money.

“However, they have taken the decision to prioritise other services across their national portfolio, as they did a few years ago when they closed their supported living services in Cornwall.

“We are working to identify an alternative provider where there is a stronger alignment around our values, and we trust that Achieve Together will be flexible in allowing residents to continue to live in their homes whilst alternative arrangements are being made.

“Anyone with concerns is advised to call the council on 0300 1234 100.”