St Michael's View will shut as part of Notts County Council's £19million overhaul of elderly care.

But the possibility of a brand-new £5million home in the town sweetened the news, and relatives say they were satisfied with the council's extensive three-month consultation process.

"From my point of view, it was all explained very well," said Jeanie Harrison, whose 87-year-old mum Eunice Dernie lives at the home, on Hallcroft Road. "When they announced it, I understood what they meant and what they are trying to do."

"They answered all our questions as best they could. I'm very pleased that they will look at the situation in Retford in three years time."

"It does feel that we have made some ground on the matter. What's needed is exactly what we have here, but with a new building and facilities."

Mrs Harrison, 57, said her main concern now is where a new home might be constructed in the future.

"It will be a major shame if the county council was to sell off land that's available now for a new building. In three years, the land they could have used might not be available, so it just seems the wrong way round to do it."

Mrs Dernie, who attended day and weekend sessions at the home before becoming a full-time resident, said the staff at the 34-resident home are wonderful, adding: "I would sooner be here than anywhere else I have seen."

Mavis Parsons, 86, has been 'really happy and content' in her two years at St Michael's View. Daughter Susan Hayes said feelings of disappointment over the closure had now turned into relief at knowing care in Retford is not being ignored.

In 2011, a county council review will determine the need for a new 35-bed home. St Michael's View will only close once the residents have been re-housed in beds the council deem to be up-to-scratch.

Joan Gardiner's mum Edith Hodgson was also introduced to St Michael's View through the respite care sessions, before she moved in full-time 18 months ago.

"It has been hanging over us for a while now," said Mrs Gardiner. "We were wondering exactly what the outcome would be, but I'm happier now."

"They have given us this three-year reprieve and will be reviewing the needs of residents along the way. The county council have been really informative, professional and clear with us, and if they stick to their word it gives us time to really get our heads around it all."

The five-year plan for care for older people in Notts will see the number of beds in care homes fall from 682 to 568, with homes in Sutton-in-Ashfield, Mansfield, Kirkby-in-Ashfield and Eastwood also heading for closure.

But this is to be offset by 160 'extra care' places - an enhanced sheltered accommodation scheme where the resident lives independently but has access to round-the-clock care as needed.

"The reaction was really quite positive," said county council project manager Cherry Dunk, who was at St Michael's View to deliver the news last Tuesday.

"There had been a few people who were cynical at the beginning of the consultation, assuming the decisions had already been made when they clearly had not."

"We held meetings in all 15 council homes and people have been really helpful in talking to us about their local area's needs."

"Extra care is the way forward and there is a lot of support for that," she added. "There will always be a need for residential care but people are keen on this alternative."

Mrs Dunk was keen to point out that the involvement of residents and relatives would continue throughout the plan.

"This is just the start. Over the next five years there will be lots more meetings and discussions about the future and local residents will be very much involved."