Families' anger over care home's uncertain future

The Friends of Favordale group organised a public meeting in Colne

Angry families worried about the potential closure of a Lancashire care home have confronted a county councillor at a public meeting.

About 100 people gathered at the Colne Legion Club to express their fears about the future of the Favordale home in Byron Road.

They quizzed Reform UK councillor Marion Atkinson, who represents Pendle Central, about the way in which the local authority is reviewing its provision of care homes and day centres.

"These people are upset because they've heard that it's closing," said Atkinson. "It hasn't got as far as closing anything - it's a review and it needs to be done."

'Had to do something'

The meeting was organised by the Friends of Favordale Group.

Chairman Peter Hayworth said: "We felt we had to do something, we felt that we were the only people who could be the voice of the residents.

"Staff don't have a voice - we want to be that voice as well."

Some attending the meeting accused the county council of "gagging" staff and the Friends of Favordale group.

Lancashire County Council's opposition leader, Independent Azhar Ali, said: "I think it's disgusting that staff have been censured.

"As an elected member, I've been escorted off premises [and] not allowed to talk to staff or families. That needs to stop immediately."

Atkinson said: "I don't think it's a consultation if there's gagging going on or words are being put in people's mouths to put on forms either - you've got to have the truth."

She added: "I don't know of any councillor who wants to see any old person's home closed."

Atkinson urged families to "wait and see what happens with the review".

Fylde MP Andrew Snowden attended a protest in support of Milbanke in Kirkham

Campaigns to save nine other council-run care facilities in the county are also under way.

A petition calling for Grove House in Adlington to be saved now has 2,274 signatures.

Earlier this month, campaigners turned out in support of Milbanke Care Home and Day Centre in Kirkham.

County Councillor Graham Dalton, cabinet member for adult social care, said: "I absolutely understand how deeply valued these services are by those who use them and their families, as well as staff and the wider community.

"We know that for many, these homes are not just buildings, they are places of comfort, familiarity and connection.

"The consultation we are running is a really important opportunity for people to share their views and help shape the future of adult social care in our county.

"I would also like to make it clear that no decisions have been made about the future of any of these services."

Other care homes under rewiew are Thornton House in Thornton Cleveleys and Woodlands in Clayton-le-Moors.

The day centres are Byron View in Colne, the Derby Centre in Ormskirk, Teal Close in Thornton Cleveleys and Vale View in Lancaster.

A final decision will be made in February.