RESIDENTS of a home for the elderly have won a battle with bosses to install a communal television.

The U-turn from Hyndburn Homes has seen the landlord change its policy on sets in communal areas.

It has agreed to pay insurance and TV licence costs at Merlin Court residential home, Oswaldtwistle, after a campaign in the town.

And Hyndburn Homes is now considering rolling out the policy across its other properties.

Ward councillor Colette McCormack said she was "horrified" to learn the 28 residents were unable to watch programmes in their communal lounge.

After protests to management, and the donation of two sets from Argos in Accrington, Hyndburn Homes has now agreed to meet the cost of the TV licence at Merlin Court, and is considering doing the same at other residential homes.

Coun McCormack said: "I couldn't believe it when I was told that there was nowhere for people to watch television together. People are allowed portable TVs in their flats but if they want to get together and watch a show there is nowhere to do it."

Although pensioners are not required to have a TV licence, one is required for a common room because staff would also be able to watch.

Merlin Court manager Corrine Wilkinson said the residents were very pleased with their new TVs.

She added: "It is brilliant that people have thought of us. About 20 people will be able to watch in our communal room. It's just a shame that we haven't had one before."

Coun McCormack said that fundraising is now continuing to help fund TV sets at other residential homes in the area, or for any other good causes.

Nigel Fenton, from Hyndburn Homes said: "Hyndburn Homes has agreed to pay for TV licences and to provide the relevant electrical sockets and aerials for our sheltered properties."

The properties chosen are the flats under one roof with communal facilities and a scheme manager.

He added: "We are currently setting next year's budgets and are considering rolling this policy out across all our sheltered accommodation in the new year."