Roy Spencer, a former borough councillor, hit out after hearing of plans to close the residential bungalows at Birch Tree Close.

Until his retirement in 1992, Mr Spencer was chairman of the former West Norfolk and Wisbech Health Authority which was responsible for the care of mentally disabled people.

He told the Lynn News: "It saddens me, especially at this time of the year. I used to go round to these homes every Christmas and they were like a family.

"If they went to these homes and spent any amount of time with these people then they would know how they are of tremendous value. They have such dedicated nurses looking after them, who show such tender loving care and have tremendous patience to teach them to do the things we all take for granted. Most of these people were born with mental and physical disabilities and it's wrong to destroy their lives. For a Labour Government to do this is astounding. I feel so strongly about this, they must be out of their minds."

An 80-year-old mother whose 39-year-old son has been looked after at the centre for 18 years said:

"I think it's absolutely disgusting. He has been looked after and loved and those bungalows have recently been done and they are beautiful. It is just terrible, what are they going to do? To get a letter like that, at this time of year, was disgraceful."

The woman, who does not wish to be named, is prepared to fight for her son to stay at his home using the European Courts and the Human Rights Act if necessary.

"My husband would be turning in his grave if he knew.We looked after our son for 20 years, with no help, no support and no money. People of my age do not need this worry.

"It is all right for these people to sit with their pen and pieces of paper to sort out people's lives but they don't have any idea about it in reality," she added.

ENDS.