A filthy care home where residents were found with unexplained injuries has been put into special measures.

A damning report by the Care Quality Commission exposed multiple failings at Saxon Lodge in Bridge, including broken toilet seats, foul-smelling furniture and unhygienic facilities.

Inspectors, who made an unannounced visit to the home in August, found carpets in a bedroom and hallway were so filthy, they stuck to people’s feet as they walked on them.

They also saw tiles had fallen off a wall, sharp pieces of plaster protruding off the walls and a stained and dirty wash basin, although bosses had stated no improvements needed to be made in an audit just weeks prior to the visit.

On an inspection of four wheelchairs, one was found with no working brakes.

In their report, inspectors also highlight “serious shortfalls” in safeguarding people from the risk of abuse after records revealed two people had sustained unexplained injuries on five occasions between May and August.

“Indeed, one of the entries described the person as having sustained ‘multiple bruises’,” it reads.

“We asked the registered persons what action had been taken to notify the local safeguarding authority about these injuries.

“We were very concerned to learn that neither of the registered persons were aware that the injuries had occurred and as a result they had not made any enquiries to establish what may have caused them.”

"The morale in the staff team is desperately low, largely because there simply aren't enough care staff on duty on most days and that's the case even with the manager working flat out" - staff member at Saxon Lodge

Inspectors also raised concerns about low staffing levels, residents not having enough to drink, risk of infection, and numerous defects in the home, including broken blinds, stained wallpaper and no light shades in bathrooms.

Five members of staff were asked about their experience working at the home in Western Avenue, which cares for 23 older people, some with dementia.

One said: “The morale in the staff team is desperately low, largely because there simply aren’t enough care staff on duty on most days and that’s the case even with the manager working flat out.

“Also, just look around and see how run-down it is.

“The residents can’t even have decent flannels – only rags.

“This could and should be a lovely home to work in, but it’s not.”

Despite residents stating they felt it was a caring place, one admitted staff “are rushed off their feet”.

A CQC spokesman said as a result of the continuing breaches of regulations, the overall rating for the service is inadequate, putting the home in special measures.

If not enough improvement is made within six months and there is an inadequate rating in any area, enforcement proceedings will begin to prevent the manager and director of the home from operating the service.

Saxon Lodge manager Christine McArthur said: “Whilst we were disappointed in the report from the CQC, we are working closely with the CQC, the local authority and an outside consultant to move the home forward.

“We continue to be committed to improving standards and to providing a safe and caring home for our residents.”