A WIDNES care home shut down by a health watchdog could soon be transformed into an asylum hostel for 120 people if the plans are approved.

Blueprints to turn the now vacant Lilycross Care Centre on Wilmere Lane into a temporary home for asylum seekers is now under consideration after being submitted to Halton Borough Council.

If the proposal is given the go-ahead, the 60-bed care home would be transformed into Wilmere House.

According to planning documents the facility would provide temporary accommodation for asylum seekers while Home Office checks and other assessments are carried out.

After three weeks those living at the hostel would be moved to a more permanent place to live or their application may be deemed unsuccessful. 

Within the three floors of the building single men would be kept separate from women, children and families with secure entrances installed on each floor.

Serco, who run similar sites in the UK, would be in charge of the facility. 

Developers confirmed there are no plans to extend or alter the appearance of the building. 

This also includes the 24-space car park at the front of the site.

In October 2015, magistrates at Halton Magistrates' Court agreed to the closure of the nursing home following requests by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

The health watchdog had previously published a critical report, rating the home as 'inadequate'.

This was after inspectors discovered elderly residents were left in pain while waiting for urgent medication, devices used to crush tablets were filthy and heavily contaminated with grime and residents did not get their medicines at the correct times.

All residents were moved to other care homes after the care home was closed.

It is understood the facility has been left vacant since the closure.