COUNCIL Leader Marie Rimmer is fuming over what she describes as scaremongering tactics surrounding the future of elderly persons homes in St Helens.

Coun Rimmer is angry over what she said was a wide range of misleading information currently being circulated around the Borough.

"No decisions have yet been made over proposals to close any homes", she said. "St Helens Council is currently consulting on proposals to help more people to live as independently as possible in their own homes as they grow older. We are consulting with residents, relatives, friends and staff of existing services to deliver social services that meet future needs.

"It is an absolute disgrace that people are using this for their own reasons at the expense of the well being and peace of mind of care home residents, their family and friends".

Councillor John Fletcher, Executive Member for Health and Social Care added: "The council has been working very hard with its partners to deliver modern schemes such as the retirement village at Rainhill, Careline and the award winning Portland House at Newton."