The shocking death of an 85-year-old man in a Norbury care home has sparked reaction from campaigners, the council and the home owners.

William Perrin died in February after neglect by staff at Eltandia Hall, a coroner ruled last month.

Eileen Chubb, a leading camapaigner and former whistleblower on care home abuse, said she was “horrified” by Mr Perrin’s treatment - and praised the Wimbledon Guardian for exposing failings at Eltandia Hall.

She said: “People should report abuse to the Care Quality Commission (the care home watchdog), but they should bear in mind that the media is the best way of getting care homes to improve.”

Mr Perrin’s weight plummeted during the 10 months he spent at the Middle Way home, after staff miscalculated his weight and left him malnourished, his inquest heard.

The dementia sufferer also developed agonizing bedsores before being admitted to St George’s Hospital in Tooting in February.

This week Merton Council said a report on the home prepared for them by independent care expert Richard Pacitti in the wake of Mr Perrin’s death could not be released to the public, as the people interviewed for it had been told they would remain anonymous.

Simon Williams, director for community and housing at the council, said: “Our condolences go out to Mr Perrin’s family.

"As soon as we were made aware of Mr Perrin’s situation we stopped using Eltandia for new admissions, we reviewed any other residents for whom we had responsibility, we demanded an improvement plan from the managers of Eltandia, and we monitored closely what changes were occurring.

"We have seen significant improvements since then.”

A spokesman for the home’s owners, Southern Cross, said: “Once again we offer our sympathy to the family on the death of Mr Perrin.

"A comprehensive action and improvement plan, looking at each individual resident’s requirements, has been implemented and significant improvements have been and are continuing to be made in our delivery of care, which have been acknowledged buy the Care Quality Commission.”

Mr Williams said the council took reports of abuse or neglect very seriously, and asked concerned residents to call the council’s dedicated 24-hour phone line on 0845 618 9762.