A second charity-run Bromley borough care home is to shut forcing more elderly people to find somewhere else to live.

Charity MHA plan to close St Raphaels Home, on Orchard Road, in Bromley, to make way for purpose-built retirement apartments.

The home, which has 58 places for elderly men and women, will close on March 27 leaving residents with just under seven weeks to find another place to live.

Maria Jackson, aged 51, who has worked at the home for two years, said: "These elderly people are so sweet and it will kill them to move.

"It literally will kill them."

Last week, News Shopper reported the closure of charity-run Chislehurst care home Queen Mary House, which is run by the School Mistresses and Governesses Benevolent Institution.

Housing association Affinity Sutton is also considering the possible closure of Orpington care home, Lubbock House, which it runs in partnership with Bromley Council.

Ms Jackson, of Orchard Road, said she had spoken to some relatives, who were struggling to find somewhere else for their elderly family members to live at such short notice.

She added: "To them it’s their home. It’s so sad. I feel so strongly about it."

An MHA spokeswoman said replacing St Raphaels with purpose-built retirement living would allow the charity to increase the number of people they serve on the site.

She said: "Unfortunately, having considered all the options, it is clear that we cannot develop this new facility while the care home remains occupied.

"We recognise and deeply regret the upheaval this will cause to residents and their families.

"We are working closely with residents, families and the local authority to help them to find alternative accommodation as quickly as possible."

She said the residents’ desire to keep the home open was a testament to the high quality care provided by staff at St Raphaels.