Policy makers at Essex County Council are understood to be considering the possible sale of the council's remaining elderly people's homes.

The Essex Chronicle understands that the cross-party Policy Development Group discussed the issue behind closed doors on Wednesday, when it looked at countywide bed shortages

A council statement confirmed that discussions had been held into ways of increasing the capacity of beds available for the elderly.

Recommendations were currently confidential but would be published in papers to cabinet next week.

Essex sold off 13 of its homes three years ago amid a storm of controversy and protest. It currently owns 12 homes, one in each district, including Okeley, in Corporation Road, Chelmsford, which is home to about 40 people

Published Friday, June 27, 2003

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