Towns across Allerdale have fewer than a third of the specialist independent-living housing they will need for elderly people within four years.

Figures released by Cumbria County Council show that an estimated 380 extra care homes will be needed in the borough by 2019.

The housing is similar to sheltered housing but has 24-hour care support, allowing people to live independently for as long as possible.

As well as benefiting residents, the schemes save council funding as care at home is cheaper than residential care.

Workington has the highest anticipated demanded, at 116 units.

Like most of the towns in the borough, it so far has none.

Two possible sites in the town have been identified.

One is the former fire station on King Street but the council has so far been unable to find a suitable developer for the site.

The second site being considered is at Ashfield Road South, where Allerdale Investment Partnership has secure planning permission for a large-scale housing development.

The council predicts 63 extra care housing spaces will be needed in Cockermouth, with 58 in Maryport, 25 in Aspatria and 24 in Silloth.

Keswick is the only town where supply currently outstrips expected demand.

It already has 69 extra care units, built by housing association Your Derwent & Solway at Greta Gardens.

The town's expected need is between 34 and 42 units.

Official statistics and analysis have been used to reach the projected figures.

The projected demand has been known since at least 2011.

The council is working with Allerdale council's housing department to achieve more extra care housing.

A spokesman said: "If the Allerdale schemes are not implemented it will reduce the council's ability to provide lower cost alternatives to residential care which have better outcomes for customers."