Ms Knapton said inspectors were also concerned about the safety of the building, which had a fall to the garden path that was only partially covered by a railing, as well as a blocked and unalarmed fire exit.

“We were so concerned about people’s safety in an emergency that we reported Seabank House to the local fire service,” she said.

She also noted the “partially collapsed” ceiling “with insulation hanging and debris on the floor” and the fact that “open cans of paint were stored next to incontinence products and nutritional supplement drinks.”

“Black mold was also found on the ceiling in the main hall and cat faeces was found on the floor upstairs,” Ms Knapton added.

A Wirral Council spokesman said: “Poor quality care services are not acceptable for our communities and as the commissioning authority we have introduced an overarching policy this year which sets out a robust approach to improving quality care within the regulated services we order”.

They added: “Wirral Council took immediate action to suspend services in this setting, find suitable new placements for the affected residents and subsequently canceled the contract with this organisation.”