A CONTROVERSIAL consultation into possible closure of four Hampshire care homes has been given the green light.

Hampshire County Councillor Anna McNair Scoot has given the go ahead for the consultation to begin over the future of Nightingale Lodge, Romsey, Cranleigh Paddock, Lyndhurst, Deeside, in Basingstoke and Bulmer House in Petersfield.

The 12-week consultation with residents, their families, staff and local communities begins on Monday and will also consider the future of day services connected with three of the homes.

Everyone is being encouraged to take part from residents and their carers to staff and people thinking of using the council’s care facilities in the future.

As previously reported in the Daily Echo, more than 100 elderly residents have been told that their care homes are under threat of closure.

Council bosses say it would cost more than £10m to modernise the homes and have put forward plans to turn them into extra care housing schemes of individual flats as demand for residential care is falling.

But union bosses fear the closures will have a detrimental effect on the health of vulnerable residents and that the homes could be easily upgraded and modernised.

Councillor McNair Scott, executive member for adult social care, said: “This was not an easy decision to make.

“I have considered carefully the case put forward and have decided that we do need to consult on the possible closure of these four homes in order to take account of the changing needs and aspirations of older people.”