WORRIED care staff voiced their anger at the possible privatisation of their service tonight.

Union members vowed to fight the controversial changes, which were given the green light by Blackburn with Darwen's ruling councillors last week.

They agreed to hand out petitions urging people to support the fight to keep the adult social care services public.

Under the proposals, most of Blackburn and Darwen's home care, three of the council's residential homes and the supported living service for people with learning disabilities would be put out to tender by the council's cash-strapped adult social services department.

Fifteen union members attended last night's meeting, which was for home care staff.

A similar number attended a recent meeting in Darwen, and a meeting for care home and supported living staff will be held later this week.

About 100 people currently work in the home care department. Tenders for the work are due to be considered in the new year Unison representative Sue Crompton urged them to write to councillors and MPs, as well as gathering support using the petitions. There will also be a public meeting and possible demonstrations.

Speaking afterwards, she said: "They are really angry. They are proud to work for the council - one lady has worked here for 23 years. You don't get that in the private sector.

"They are worried for the service users as well as their jobs."

A carer, who did not want to be named, added: "We have always gone with the flow - we have changed our lifestyles, worked weekends, and now we are being treated appallingly."