CARE workers protested outside Liverpool Town Hall last night at the closure of two homes for the elderly.

Under the council’s budget, which was approved last night, Leighton Dene residential home, in Fazakerley, and the Boaler Street rehabilitation unit in Kensington, will be axed.

A total of 82 members of staff work at the homes, which provide 47 beds.

The workers joined about 120 others whose positions are also being made redundant. It is hoped they can be deployed elsewhere in the authority.

Opposition councillors, trade unions, and health campaigners have hit out at the closure as the beds are used for intermediate, short term rehabilitation of patients who are ready to leave hospital but too unwell to go home.

The homes will be scaled down, and patients will not be moved until they are ready to do so.

New patients who would have been sent to the homes will either be accommodated at three long term homes where there are vacant beds, or be sent home with extra care provided.

The council said the move would free-up money for intensive support at home.