Families of vulnerable elderly residents at a care home have been rocked after being told they have to move out their loved ones.

It has been labelled a death sentence by some as they face the prospect of moving out family members from Reardon Court, in Winchmore Hill.

The move comes because of a health and safety threat claimed by Enfield council after legionella was first found in March.

For the families of the 24 residents, 17 tenants and 67 people who use the day centre about the close, it came as a “total shock.”

Sandra Lewis, whose mother-in-law Sylvia Lewis lives in the care home, told the Enfield Independent she was appalled by the actions of Enfield council.

She said: “This is like a death sentence, this is her home and trying to move her at 93-years-old is disgraceful. The care home is state-of-the-art and only been going 25 years.”

Many of those now facing having to rehome a loved one believe that the legionnaires is only limited to one flat and cannot understand why the decision is being made now.

Since the bacteria was found in water, no one has been taken ill at the home.

The council “there is no imminent risk to residents, tenants and day centre users” after putting in “extensive measures.”

Ms Lewis condemned the way the council has gone about telling families the news and cannot understand why the situation has become “urgent.”

She added: “It is baffling. The staff are very upset as we all are. Many of the elderly residents have dementia.

“We were all left in complete shock when the letter came round. We have seen no evidence of this being an urgent matter and we are now faced with finding alternative accommodation for our loved ones.

“We want the council revoke their decision. They have been so insensitive and it is clear they have an agenda for the site.”

Many have claimed the site could be sold to Fairview homes to build properties.

A council spokesman said: “As a result of finding legionella bacteria in the water supply at Reardon Court, we have been working with specialist contractors to try and rectify the issues during the past year.

“At all times our overriding priority has been the safety of all of our clients which includes 24 residents, 17 tenants and 67 users of the day centre. We informed all users of the building around March when this was first discovered – and have kept them informed with regular updates.

“Enfield Council can confirm the building will be closing next year and residents, tenants and day centre users will be moved to alternative provision.

“Enfield Council will be working closely with residents, tenants, day centre users and their families to identify alternative provision. We will continue to update them on the status of this project.

“Given the need for extensive work that would effectively require us to remove the entire water supply system, and the time and disruption required to do this and the cost of refitting the building, we have no option but to decommission Reardon Court.”

The care home is set to close in April 2016.