Nine care homes in Gloucestershire are set to receive £6million to refurbish bedrooms and install new furniture.

Under the Gloucestershire County Council investment, existing boilers and lighting will be replaced and bedrooms, communal areas and kitchens will be renovated.

A council report said if nothing is done then the level of care provided could drop.

The refurbishment will take place over the next two years, the county council said.

The county council owns 13 care homes, four of which have already been developed.

The nine care homes which are expected to receive the £6million are run by the Orders of St John Care Trust.

The nine care homes include Henlow Court, Dursley, The Elms, Stonehouse, and Paternoster House, Cirencester.

Councillor Kathy Williams, cabinet member for adult social care delivery, said: “Protecting the vulnerable is a key priority for the county council – and this investment will ensure these homes provide a comfortable environment for residents."

Dan Hayes, chief executive of OSJCT which operates the care homes, said: “On behalf of OSJCT and GCP we continue to be committed to working with the council to provide homes where individuals love to live and work.

“We are delighted that this investment has been confirmed and for our residents, their family, friends and our valued employees to benefit from this investment in the coming years.”