A UNITED Kingdom company which owns 19 care homes for the elderly has bought Bon Air Nursing Home for an undisclosed sum.

New owners Guardian Care Homes have given their word that none of the existing residents will be affected by the change and that they will provide state-funded rooms.The acquisition is part of a rapid expansion plan by the family-owned group, which has designs to increase the number of rooms at the St Saviour centre from 27 to 45.

All the new rooms will be en suite and there will be two lounges.Bon Air is the first premises owned in the Island by Guardian, which is not related to Guardian Nursing Home and Services Ltd owned by Mike Wavell.

However, the group now hopes to expand its portfolio in Jersey and buy other premises.

Guardian Care Homes chairman Gary Hartland said: ‘We do not see Bon Air as an isolated investment but intend to seek further acquisitions in Jersey which will enable us to provide a full range of facilities for older people, both private and state-funded.’