Thrift Farm is under new ownership and will now run independently of the council.

A public consultation was held on the future of the farm after several unsuccessful takeover bids, with the council agreeing a joint venture in September last year to secure the farms future.

The 57 service users and 19 staff members of the farmyard-based employment service will be transferred over to the new venture, with the council saying that they are expecting ‘no interruption to service delivery.’

The legal transfer was made on Thursday last week to a company owned by Kids Play Childcare and Mead Open Farm, marking the start of a new era for the farm.

Lin Hazell, Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing, said: 'I couldn’t be more pleased with the outcome of this consultation.

“It's important to remember this was instrumental in finding a new provider. It gave people a voice, and we heard them loud and clear.

“The overwhelming support for services to stay at the farm attracted the right kind of attention, the kind that gets results.

“This really bodes well for the future and fills me with confidence in their ability to deliver a good service.

“I would also like to thank the staff at Thrift Farm who have shown such dedication and commitment to some of our most vulnerable residents.

“Through them we have been able to maintain stability and continuity for servicer users.”

In January last year, the council highlighted concerns about the farm, which led to the need for a change of ownership.

A council report said: “Commissioners have explored and been unsuccessful in identifying an alternative organisation to sustainably run Thrift Farm.

“Given the out-dated care model and the significant investment needed, together with the savings required for the service, commissioners are of the view that the only viable option is to decommission adult social care services at Thrift Farm.

“If Thrift Farm is decommissioned, Buckinghamshire service users will receive a comprehensive assessment of their needs and suitable alternative placements will be identified as part of a new care package.”