Demonstrations about the possible closures have already been held

At a meeting on Wednesday, a special scrutiny panel asked councillors to consider a possible "phased" closure.

The council claims more elderly people want to stay in their own homes and closure was an option to save money.

But critics say closing Nant Silyn and Llys Madoc, which currently look after 35 residents, would be disastrous.

The budget for residential care services is nearly �16m, of which the council says 12% is spent on running the two care homes.

Councillors believe allowing more elderly people to remain in their own homes would both save money and provide a better service.

Borough councillors have recommended a gradual, phased closure, but more consultations will be held with staff representatives, local voluntary groups and other parties before a final decision is taken.

When residential care homes are closed down, the trauma of the eviction actually kills people Campaigner Ken Mack

Restoring the homes is considered expensive and "not best value".

More than 500 people in Wrexham are currently looked after in privately-run residential homes and council officials say there is enough capacity to absorb the potential closures.

Chief social services officer Andrew Figiel said: "Clearly we wouldn't want to put vulnerable people at risk. We would want to deal with the matter as sensitively as possible.

'Without pity'

"We wouldn't just be setting a date and turfing people out. Far from it.

"What we have to do is look at all the options. Further work will have to be done by the department and we're all aware that these are amongst the most vulnerable people in the county."

Disability and elderly rights campaigner Ken Mack said closing the homes was an "appalling proposal" and could have a detrimental effect on those forced to move.

He said: "My plea to the council would be for heaven's sake, Do the right thing. "Wrexham has ambitions of city status but I would rather live in a town that cares than a city without pity.

"What should be happening is the restoration of these residential care homes."

Mr Mack helped organise a 7,000-strong petition by campaigners which was delivered to the Guildhall in February.