Two north Essex residential care homes where 70 people with learning difficulties are looked after by 150 staff have been earmarked for closure.

Scope say the services they offer at Drummonds in Feering and Wakes Hall in Wakes Colne are outdated at a time when people with disabilities want to live as independently as possible.

The charity will shortly launch a consultation with residents, families and staff with a view to closing both. Two other homes in Essex*checking where* will remain open.

Scope regional director Peter Walker said individual residents, their families, staff and local authorities would shortly be consulted.

“We’re looking into closing two of the four care homes we run in Essex, because we don’t think these kind of old fashioned care home offers disabled people the kind of say that everyone else has over where they live, who they live with and how their money is spent.

“This is nothing to do with the quality of the services.

“We know changes like this are hard for the disabled people, families and staff involved, and it’s not something we do without a great deal of consideration.

“We will do our best to do it sensitively and respectfully, supporting everyone affected to understand what the changes mean and what choices are available to them.”