INSPECTORS have found that another Oxfordshire care home is not meeting “essential standards”.

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) carried out an unannounced inspection at Brooklands 2, in Old Parr Road, Banbury, on July 7, days after a pensioner raised concerns about basic care there.

Bert Dowler, 86, raised concerns about Brooklands 2 after his friend Arthur Forse stayed there.

Former Kraft Foods worker Mr Forse, 89, died at another care home, Southerndown in Chipping Norton, last month.

Mr Forse, a regular volunteer and swimmer at Spiceball Leisure Centre, suffered a stroke last August, but as his health improved he was moved from hospital to Brooklands 2 on March 18.

Friends claim the health of the ex-Second World War Royal London Irish Rifles soldier deteriorated and he lost weight. He then moved to Southerndown on May 16.

Mr Dowler and another friend Jackie Cross say there was a catalogue of problems at Brooklands 2, ranging from lack of cleanliness, poor and unsuitable food, and communication issues with staff.

Mr Dowler, of Warwick Road, Banbury, said: “I was visiting him every day. I cleaned his mouth, gave him drinks and provided him with drinks and fresh fruit.

“He could not understand the staff and they didn’t appear to understand him either. I had many confrontations with staff.”

Jackie Cross, who had known Arthur for about 25 years, said: ““He was a caring and loving person who would have given anyone anything. He never got any of that.”

Brooklands 2 director Mark Taylor said the allegations would be investigated.

He said: “All we can say is that in this case Brooklands tried very hard to nurse a patient with very severe and complex needs and we devoted a lot of time and effort towards finding the best solutions.

“This allegation goes against the recent trend based upon residents and relatives being surveyed and from holding frequent interactive meetings.”

A spokesman for the CQC, which monitor essential standards in care homes, said: “We made an inspection at Brooklands 2 on July 7, and we will be taking further action.

“Clearly, essential standards are not being met.”

A report on Brooklands 2 is being prepared by the CQC, but has not yet been released.

It comes after two Oxford care homes were shamed in damning inspection reports over the past few weeks. Last week the Care Quality Commission (CQC) found Southern Cross-run The Albany in Headington failed all seven essential safety standards.

It came after Brookfield Christian Care Home in Greater Leys, which was also run by Southern Cross, was criticised by care inspectors.