THE FUTURE of four care homes and its staff in the Wombwell area has been plunged into uncertainty after owners Mimosa Health Care went into administration.

Parklands, Parkside and Valley Park on Park Street in Wombwell and Byron Lodge on Dryden Road, West Melton are all owned by the Nottingham-based company.

Together the four homes have 184 bedrooms and offer around the clock care for elderly people.

The four homes, along with 18 other centres, are now threatened with closure and a total of 1,000 jobs are at risk.

Joint administrators Kerry Bailey and Sarah Rayment from BDO have been appointed to try and secure the homes and the company's finances.

Ms Bailey said: "Regrettably the difficult economic climate and reduced occupancy levels have significantly affected the company."Our first and main priority as joint administrators is to ensure continuity of care and provision for all residents living in Mimosa homes.

"We are working hand in hand with professional care operators to ensure this remains the case and that residents experience minimal disruption and worry."

Staff have been retained for the time being and the administrators are hopeful of a quick sale to ensure jobs are saved.

Staff at the homes said they had been advised not to speak to the media.