A LOCAL authority plans to close two of its children's homes in a bid to move away from institutionalised care.

Middlesbrough Borough Council's cabinet has approved plans to close Beechwood and Saltersgill homes as part of its latest best value drive.

In a report on care services for children throughout the area, officers found that neither home is fulfilling its designated purpose.

The report states: "The purpose of Saltersgill Children's Home is to provide short-term care for children and young people aged 12 and above, with the aim of enabling their return home or move to alternative provision within 90 days.

"The needs of young people in Middlesbrough are not compatible with this.

"The purpose of Beechwood Children's Home is to provide care for older teenagers, with the aim of moving them on to independent living within a period of two years.

"The needs of young people who require residential care are not compatible with this."

According to the report, as neither home meets the Government's stringent standards, a considerable amount of money would have to be spent in carrying out improvements.

It also claimed that they are disliked by their neighbouring communities.

The homes are due to be replaced with up to four small houses, each providing care for children aged 12 and older, with fewer staff, to reflect their home-like nature.