Older people in north London, including those with adult incontinence, may have to be moved to a new location, after Haringey Council revealed plans to close three homes for the elderly.

The council says it was "forced" to close Broadwater Lodge, Cranwood and the Red House centre, as well as a respite home for adults with learning disabilities in Whitehall Street, in order to achieve its savings target.

All of the homes are due to be closed by March 2013, affecting up to 89 elderly and disabled people.

The council hopes to re-house residents in independent care homes in the borough, as well as facilities in neighbouring areas.

Dilek Dogus, cabinet member for health and adult services, told the BBC that the move was being taken with "much regret".

She added that the council was "working hard with other providers, notably in the voluntary and independent sectors, to ensure that vulnerable adults continue to receive the care they require".

Adult incontinence affects about 70 per cent of nursing home residents, according to Professor Cath Sackley, a scientist at the University of Birmingham.