Care protesters visit Number 10

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Protesters took a petition to Number 10 along with the cardboard cut outs

Campaigners fighting to keep two care homes for the elderly open have visited Downing Street with life-size cardboard cut outs of some of the residents.

Southampton City Council plans to close Birch Lawn and Whitehaven Lodge care homes in the city, moving 62 residents to private accommodation.

Protesters took four cardboard cut outs to Number 10, along with a petition.

Last week campaigners lost a legal attempt at the Court of Appeal to prevent the closure.

A lawyer acting on behalf of several residents argued the decision violated their human rights.

Southampton City Council has said it can provide cheaper care in the independent sector.

The authority estimates it will save £500,000, plus another £400,000 on the repairs needed to the homes in the Sholing and Millbrook areas.