NEW plans for care homes in Kirklees have been unveiled today.
Three out of the five homes under review would be revamped, but the others would switch from residential care to day use.
But the proposals have been criticised by Opposition councillors.
Tories said the announcement from Cabinet of investment in older people's services will be seen by many as a `softener' .
Clr Beverley Warby, of Mirfield, said: "No one in Kirklees will have forgotten that while some care homes will benefit, there are others over which the sword of Damocles still hangs.
"It can be taken that the terms `developing Oakes Villa and Knowl Park', in reality will mean decommissioning as residential homes."
The Cabinet proposals, unveiled by Lib Dem councillor Sylvia Smithson, would see three homes renovated at a cost of more than £4m but two others shut as residential units and used as resource centres.
But Clr Warby said there needed to be more consultation, prior to decisions.
"I welcome investment in older people's services, but not if it means the overall loss of services.
"That would be an equation which wouldn't balance out".
Labour leader Clr Mehboob Khan said: "Knowle Park and Oakes Villa are earmarked for closure as homes and our concern is that the residents and their families need to be made aware of the implications.
"Most councillors learned of the proposals only in a press release and we believe there needs to be several months of full consultation with the public, the staff and the residents before any decision is taken. It should not be rushed through next week".
