The fate of incontinence products users and people with other conditions at six care homes in Northamptonshire hangs in the balance after the firm which owns the residences admitted financial difficulty, it has been revealed.

Some 129 residents of county homes, including Argyll House in Dallington, Northampton, Lucas Court in Moulton and Pytchley Court in Brixworth could be affected by the situation, reports the Northampton Chronicle.

Earlier this week care home operator Southern Cross Healthcare revealed that it was struggling to meet its rent obligations because the NHS and cash-strapped councils are not providing enough referrals.

Residents at Argyll House told the publication that cutbacks are already starting to bite as incontinence pads were being rationed, but Northamptonshire County Council said it would re-home anyone affected by possible closures.

The UK's biggest care homes operator, Southern Cross Healthcare caters for 31,000 elderly people living in its 750 properties across the country.