The bulk of the debt is for upaid nursing home fees with smaller amounts of money owed for services to help elderly and disabled people live at home.

The residents who owe money must make a contribution towards their care because they have an income of between £10,000 and £16,000.

Director of Warrington Social Services, Kevin Miller, said: "There is no suggestion of turfing anyone out on to the street, but we are looking at new measures to recover the money.

"In most cases, bills are sent to members of the family or solicitors who are looking after finances, but the money is not being paid. Some debts stretch up to £40,000 and have mounted up over several years."

The county's social services department, which is being forced to make cuts of £9.4 million, says services will suffer if the money isn't paid. Mr Miller added: "We are looking at charging interest on the debts owed to encourage people to pay up, but if that fails we will consider court action."

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