CORNWALL Council has confirmed it is investigating a care home near Launceston — the home says the investigation includes looking at administrative record keeping and a fee non-service users pay to use a hydrotherapy pool.

The authority said there have been ‘a number of allegations made about the care people receive’ at Bowden Derra Park, Polyphant.

The authority said no one is at immediate risk of harm, and a spokesperson for the care home said there was a ‘positive’ meeting with Cornwall Council last week.

Bowden Derra Park is a family run organisation that offers support and care for adults with learning disabilities.

A spokesperson for Bowden Derra Park said on Monday: “The health, safety and wellbeing of the individuals we care for are always our top priorities.

“We are continuing to work closely with Cornwall Council, with whom we had a positive meeting last week, and who have confirmed that no-one is at immediate risk of harm.

“Matters under investigation include administrative record keeping and the modest fee non-service users pay to use the hydrotherapy pool. We have also clarified to the council that service users enjoy an extensive programme of activities each week — indeed, we have welcomed many of the local community to our regular charity days.

“We are very proud of the high quality support we provide, and are confident the current investigations will conclude swiftly. We are grateful for the ongoing support of the families of the people we care for.

“Our focus remains continuing to provide the same excellent care that we have done for more than 38 years.”

A spokesperson for Cornwall Council said: “We are investigating a number of allegations made about the care people receive at Bowden Derra Park.

“Our priority is to make sure people are safe and cared for and we suspended all new placements to the home while these allegations are investigated. NHS Kernow and Cornwall Council are working closely with other commissioners to ensure people remain safe and will be meeting with residents and their families very soon to keep them updated with any developments.

“We are working closely with providers and can confirm that the allegations have not raised concerns that anyone is in immediate risk of harm. We cannot comment further until the investigation has ended.”

The management issued a statement last week saying they were ‘deeply shocked’ about concerns brought to their attention, adding: “We challenged them in the strongest possible terms and have provided clear evidence to refute the claims which have been made.”

Bowden Derra Park also expressed its gratitude to North Cornwall Conservative MP Scott Mann for his support.

Mr Mann said: “I’ve been contacted by a number of families who have loved ones at Bowden Derra Park in Polyphant. Some have been there for many years and others are new residents. One common theme is that they are all extremely happy with the care they receive at the care home.

“I have written to Claire Leandro, head of service adult care and support, at Cornwall Council seeking clarification on the situation at Bowden Derra Park, but as of yet I am still waiting for a response.”