SITES of three old people's homes will be sold off by Kirklees Council.

But the buyer must promise to put care facilities for the elderly in their place.

The decision affects Green- acres in Meltham, Ashworth Court in Dewsbury and Lydgate House in Batley.

Kirklees Council will sell the land after earlier decisions to close the old people's homes on these sites.

Social services officials want to find a buyer from the independent sector who will provide residential care and, where possible, housing with extra care facilities.

Council leader Clr Robert Light said: "Developing of the sites will be done in close working arrangements with the council.

"We want to make sure we give older people in Kirklees the highest standard of care possible – which will include social activities and various kinds of accommodation suited to their personal needs."

The sites are being sold in a shake-up of old people's care which includes the opening of four rebuilt homes in Huddersfield, Mirfield and Heckmondwike.

Clr Margaret Bates, Cabinet member for adult and social services, said: "We remain committed to supporting people to live at home as independently as possible for as long as they are able to do so.

"But if people do need to go into residential care we want it to be of the best possible standard as this may be their home for the future.

"It is essential that we have access to high-quality residential care places for older people when they need them - this is part of a wide choice of care and support services available to them and their families."

Part of the final phase will also include building 150 home places with extra care facilities for older people as part of the council's Excellent Homes for Life programme.