RESIDENTS of a sheltered housing scheme in Earby are set to be consulted over whether their accomocation should be upgraded.

The Executive of Pendle Borough Council will debate the proposal, which involves raising the accomodation at Valley Gardens to an Extra Care Standard, at their meeting on Thursday.

The council has four sheltered housing schemes in the borough, none of which currently provides the Extra Care Standard. Lancashire County Council's Social Services Department have told Pendle Council they will fund the upgrade if agreed by the residents of the accomodation.

The upgrade would mean residents would have access to 24-hour care on site which would allow them to remain at the complex rather than be admitted to hospital or residential care.

The cost of the scheme would be met by the county council although some residents may have to make a contribution, depending on income.

The introduction of the scheme would be on a pilot basis and, if successful, could be rolled out across the rest of the sheltered housing in the borough. The development of the scheme is part of the council's bid to develop their Older Persons' Housing Strategy.