AFTER the shock announcement of the looming closure of home care agency Cleeve Link, which has one office in Witney, the county council has now stepped in and is working around the clock to keep services going.

More than 30 members of staff at Oxfordshire County Council have been supporting the ailing company’s Oxfordshire branch based at Hexagon House since the announcement it was entering liquidation on March 3.

There are 127 people affected at the Witney branch of the firm which has offices across Gloucestershire, Worcestershire and Swindon.

Kate Terroni, Director for Adult Social Care, said: “Our own social workers and occupational therapists have been providing direct care support to some individuals to ensure their needs have been met.

“Throughout the weekend county council staff worked with Cleeve Link, other care agencies, health partners, individuals and their families to ensure that people received their required care

“This was a very challenging event for our staff but they have risen to that challenge superbly and as a result nobody has been left without the care they need.

“The turnaround towards people having long term care arrangement put back in place is ongoing but has been swift and efficient”.

Councillor Judith Heathcoat, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, said: “It is our legal and moral responsibility to act in this way when sudden events in the market happen like this.

“However we are proud of the way our staff responded giving up time with their own families over a weekend having of course already completed a working week.

“This was done in an uncomplaining way and the effort and endeavour put into the task is reflected in the results we see this week.

“I would like to publicly thank them for that effort as otherwise it will go unsung. They are what public service and Oxfordshire County Council are all about.”