Two council-run children's homes in West Sussex are likely to be closed down.

But another, which currently houses just three children, is to be upgraded at a cost of £265,000.

West Sussex County Council has announced that a consultation on the closure of Cedar House at East Worthing and Shelleys in Burgess Hill is to take place.

Talks have been held with public sector union Unison and the county council says all the young people involved will be consulted.

A report says many of the 47 staff in the three homes will be redeployed but some redundancies cannot be ruled out.

There are currently only two children in care at Shelleys and none in Cedar House.

The closures follow a major shift in the pattern of caring for youngsters. More emphasis is now put on placement with foster families and adoption.

Shelleys is likely to be sold and a report estimates that it could raise £1.75 million.

But Cedar House will be kept by the social services department and used as a centre for other services, including family support.

The home due to be upgraded is Seaside at Shoreham Beach which currently has three children.

A report says: "This residential childcare unit will be retained but subject to changes in both the building and its function, with the role of the unit being focused on more challenging young people."