THREE Christchurch care homes face an uncertain future after their owner, Britain’s largest care group, revealed plans to sell off 200 homes and cut 3,000 jobs after struggling with a multi-million pound rental bill.

Southern Cross, responsible for looking after 31,000 elderly residents, is allegedly planning on selling off 200 of its 750 care homes to cope with a £230million annual rental bill.

The firm, which employs thousands of staff across the country, announced they would underpay their rent to try to cope with the crisis.

Yesterday, the company, which is responsible for looking after some 31,000 residents, said the job cuts were essential to address “staff effectiveness” across its 750 homes.

Officials said there was no threat of imminent closure of any of the homes but union leaders and families of residents called for urgent action to help ease mounting concern.

The group owns Bramblegate and Principle House, both in Ringwood Road, Walkford, as well as Touchwood in Somerset Road, Christchurch.

All of Southern Cross’s Christchurch homes offer specialist care, including care for those with learning difficulties.

Bramblegate offers residential care for young people with physical and learning disabilities as well as respite care to give home carers a break.

Chairman Christopher Fisher said: “We believe that all of the key stakeholders in Southern Cross want this restructuring to succeed.

“We are in dialogue with the Department of Health, our lenders and landlords and they continue to support the process.”

Care services minister, Paul Burstow, told MPs earlier this week there were plans for “decisive action” if Southern Cross went under.