A community company could be set up to ensure Langholm retains a care home, according to a Dumfries and Galloway councillor.
Troubled Dalarran Care Home has announced its closure at the end of June, with the loss of 24 jobs, citing financial losses and additional requirements from the Care Inspectorate (CI).
But plans for a £3.5million new home in the Townfoot area of Langholm are still in place, if a provider can be found.
Councillor Denis Male, who lives in the Muckle Toon, told The Southern: “When Dalarran closes, there will be at least 30 residents of the Eskdale Valley in care homes elsewhere.
“With no direct bus services to Annan, Lockerbie or Dumfries, elderly people who do not drive will have great difficulty in visiting their loved ones.
“The land [for a new home] is still available, it cannot be used for any other purpose, but we may need to set up a community company to go forward.
“Langholm is determined to succeed in building a modern care home for its elderly residents.”
Welcare Homes bought Dalarran six years ago, but its aim to construct a new nursing unit was hit by the economic downturn, according to Mr Male.
It has received a succession of poor reports from the Care Commission and replacement body, the CI, the latest in January, with quality of environment, and management and leadership labelled the lowest mark of unsatisfactory.
Dumfriesshire, Clydesdale and Tweeddale MP David Mundell said there was concern and confusion surrounding Dalarran, and is due to meet officials from the CI to discuss the crisis.
Mr Mundell added: “The continued focus must be on the existing patients’ needs and all the evidence suggests that moving elderly people is not a good thing. In the event Dalarran has to close, everyone involved must ensure that the wider options are fully explored and ensure that residents who want to remain in the Langholm area can do so.”