TWO care homes for the elderly in Hartlepool are to close because of financial pressures.

It has been announced that Granville Residential Home in Granville Avenue is closing after owners decided it was no longer viable.

And 27 elderly people are being moved from Stranton House in the town, which is also losing money.

There are 11 residents at Granville and plans are being made to make the closure as easy as possible for both staff and residents.

The owners of Granville claim Government legislation has made it easier for elderly people to stay in their own homes and so there is less demand for their service.

The owners of Stranton House in Waldon Street, Community Integrated Care (CIC), also say there is not enough demand for their beds.

The home is due to close within the next three months.