Claims that two care homes are set to close have been dismissed as "completely irresponsible".

Officers at East Sussex County Council said claims by union officials that Haldane House in Bexhill and Parker House in Eastbourne were to close were wrong and had caused anxiety.

Hundreds of signatures have been collected by Unison officials across Sussex in an effort to stave off the closures. The union believes the homes will shut because they are not able to meet new Government standards.

A council spokesman said no decision would be made until after a six-month consultation period.

Councillor Keith Glazier, lead Cabinet member for social services, said: "There have been discussions over a number of years about the future of our council-run care homes and that has created uncertainty for everyone.

"It is now time to review our services for elderly people.

"Many of our homes are not up to the new standards the Government requires and we need to make sure we deliver the best care possible within available resources."

Unison branch secretary Tony Watson said: "There is every intention to close these homes irrespective of the outcome of consultation."