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Three homes in the Allerdale area have been earmarked for closure as part of a shake-up of social care in Cumbria.

The county council is considering shutting Park Lodge in Aspatria, Woodlands in Distington and Richmond Park in Workington.

A council spokeswoman said the homes were "struggling" to meet residents' needs and alternative places would be found at other homes, if they do close.

Increased funding to help people live at home is also planned.

A three-month public consultation process will be carried out into the plans and any closures will not take place for at least 18 months, a council spokeswoman said.

Two homes, Inglewood in Wigton and Parkside in Maryport, have also been earmarked for an upgrade.

James Airey, cabinet member for social care for Cumbria County Council, said: "The council is currently looking at ways of improving care for older people across the county.

'Small rooms'

"Older people have told us they want to be supported in their own homes if at all possible and demand for traditional residential care is reducing as older people are supported to live at home."

He said there were 130 spare beds in council and independent sector homes across Allerdale, and this needed to be addressed.

Mr Airey added: "Many of the homes in our estate are increasingly struggling to meet the needs and expectations of older people.

"This is because of small room sizes, narrow corridors and lack of modern facilities such as en-suite bathrooms.

"Our aim is to improve the range and quality of care options for older people in the area."