The Alton Centre care home, in Knuston Spinney, Wellingborough, Northamptonshire, was closed by the Commission for Social Care Inspections (CSCI) last month after serious concerns emerged about the safety and welfare of its residents.

An appeal against the closure at the Care Standards Tribunal by Active Care Partnership Ltd, which runs the home, is expected to finish tomorrow.

The hearing this week in London has heard that a spot inspection was carried out on August 6.

Today a spokesman for the Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI) confirmed fears were raised in early August regarding certain areas, including the sudden death of a resident on July 15.

CSCI inspected the home on August 6 to examine concerns about nutrition and hydration, wound care and the management of medication and medical conditions.

The spokesman confirmed a second patient died at the Alton Centre on the very same night inspectors had visited.

They considered a serious and immediate risk to the life, health and well-being of the residents and sought an urgent court order from magistrates to cancel the home's registration the next day.

Active Care Partnership - a subsidiary of the Southern Cross Healthcare Group - applied to the High Court to overturn the order, but it was refused on August 14 by His Honour Judge Ousley.

He ordered the responsibility of the health and welfare of residents to be handed over to the local Primary Care Trust (PCT) and county council until the outcome of this week's appeal hearing.

Northamptonshire County Council and Northamptonshire Teaching PCT has been looking after the home's 28 residents since then.

They sent in a team of nurses and carers to work with and supervise the home's own staff in caring for the residents, who have physical disabilities and need nursing care.

Today, a spokesman for the Care Standards Tribunal said it was hoped the appeal hearing would finish tomorrow but it was unknown when a decision would be made.

Last month CSCI's regional director for the East, Norwyn Cole, said they would contest the company's appeal at the Care Standards Tribunal, but were pleased temporary arrangements for the welfare of residents had been approved by the judge.