THE leader of Lincolnshire County Council has faced carers and campaigners against the closure of county care homes.

Conservative leader Councillor Martin Hill toured Linelands care home in Nettleham yesterday to see the facilities and talk to those who use the service.

The home, along with seven others, has come under threat of closure following plans to transform care for Lincolnshire's increasing ageing population.

The scheme, which could see provision privatised, is still in the consultation stage, but has sparked fears from the elderly and public sector union Unison who say it is a "done deal."

Mr Hill's visit was in response to a challenge made in the Echo by carer and union representative Phyl Lynn, who asked Mr Hill to "really understand what the services are providing" before making a decision.

Following the visit, she told the Echo: "I thought the visit went well because people who are using the service had their say on how they felt about it and had a chance to ask questions.

"We asked him to come because we wanted him to really understand what the service provided and the people here got the chance to say how much they enjoy coming here.

"It was explained to them that it was a three to five-year plan and it was said some of the plans could take as long as 10 years. That seemed to give some relief to some of the people here."

As reported in the Echo, Tory councillors want to replace respite and day care centres in Lincolnshire with what they describe as state-of-the-art facilities. Buildings affected by the changes also include Sleaford's Bonner House, The Cedars in Gainsborough and Park View in Lincoln.

Following the visit, Mr Hill said he thought there had been some "scaremongering" at the home.

"It was interesting to see the home, it is a well-run establishment," he said.

"There is some nervousness because they are wondering what is going to happen and change is difficult, especially when you are getting older.

"Whatever happens, we will hopefully provide a better service.

"I think there has been a bit of scaremongering going on, especially for the elderly, which I would not be very approving of, so we had quite a good session."

George Stafford, 84, who goes to Linelands, said: "I don't think they are going to help us.

"He could have spent more time here. I did not say it to him, but I voted for his party and I feel they are going to let us down."

Councillor Graham Marsh, the council's executive councillor for adult and social care, said: "We want to try to fit people in with the people they know."