CARE home closures will go ahead because “there is no viable alternative”, Haringey Council says.

The Labour administration has confirmed three centres for elderly residents and one for youngsters with profound learning difficulties will be axed in a bid to save £2m.

The buildings have been home to around 100 vulnerable people but the council said it has “been forced to take” the step by “unprecedented government imposed cuts” totalling £41m this year alone.

The cabinet first approved the plans in July but leading councillors were forced to look again at the proposals by a scrutiny committee.

Councillor Dilek Dogus, cabinet member for health and adult services, said: “We have considered the points raised by the Overview and Scrutiny Committee – but feel there is no viable alternative but to confirm our original decision to close the homes in question.

“It is important to stress that we are committed to finding suitable alternative support for everyone currently at the four homes – and will be working hard with other providers, notably in the voluntary and independent sectors, to ensure that vulnerable adults continue to receive the care they require.”

Residents have been campaigning to save the centre and the council has faced allegations its decision may be illegal and would not save money.

Law firm Bindmans raised serious concerns about the consultation with residents at Whitehall Street Care Home, for people with learning difficulties, and warned the decision could be challenged in the High Court.

But Cllr Dogus defended the council’s position and said: “We carried out an extensive three-month consultation with service users and their families before arriving at the decisions taken by Cabinet.

“I would like to stress that vulnerable adults needing a service will continue to receive such a service which the council will buy for them.”

The other care homes affected are: Broadwater Lodge, in Highham Road, The Red House, in West Green Road, and Cranwood, in Woodside Avenue.

The Labour administration confirmed its decision on Thursday.