Croydon Council is set to close children's homes in a move which could see up to 34 staff affected.

At a cabinet meeting on Monday, April 23, councillors approved the decision to close Alverston Gardens and Mickleham Way children’s homes, which at capacity house 13 young people, typically from broken homes.

The children currently living in the homes are to be relocated to live in independent residential care or with foster carers.

Councillor Tim Pollard, cabinet meber for children young people and learners, said: "The young people concerned are older and during the consultation, by and large, seemed unconcerned about whether the homes will stay."

He pointed out almost a third of local authorities in England no longer run children’s homes, and the council could save up to £630,000 in the next two years, as well as profits made from the sale of the properties.

The 34 staff employed at the care homes will be offered alternative positions.

But Labour councillor Carole Bonner criticised the move.

She said: "This is something the staff have unanimously opposed. There is a real concern their skills will be lost."