Last week it was revealed that three nursing homes in the south of the county - Woodfield Care Home in Narberth, Woodland Lodge Care Home in Gumfreston and Pencoed in Wooden - could close by Christmas unless the County Council increases the amount it pays in fees.

The company operating the homes is taking the council to court next week (9 Nov) in a test case to try to get its funding increased.

But now it?s become apparent that at least one other nursing home is also threatening the council with legal action whilst another is asking resident?s families to make up the shortfall.

"We have had a number of calls and letters from families who are extremely worried about what is going to happen to family members," said Mr Hart.

"We have also heard about other homes that are now asking families to make monthly payments of £130 to 'top up' fees," he added.

The case going to the High Court on November 9 is believed to be the first of its kind in Wales and will be a test case that will define whether local authorities are legally obliged to increase fees.

"This is going to be an extremely interesting case and I'm sure that a lot of people will be watching the outcome closely," said Mr Hart.

"I sincerely hope that a solution will be found and that the 87 residents from the four homes affected will be able to stay put.

"I am particularly worried about those who live at Woodfield as I understand it is one of only five nursing homes in the county that can take Elderly Mentally Ill (EMI) residents and so they are particularly vulnerable.

"One gentleman told me his wife who lived there was among the most vulnerable group of people it is possible to imagine and that if she had to move it would be utterly traumatic for her."