GOVERNMENT inspectors have completed checks at six council-run care homes in Blackburn and Darwen.

The National Care Standards Commission checked to ensure that Longshaw House, Brookhouse; Blakewater Lodge, Blackburn; Greenways, Sunnyhurst; Brookside, Roe Lee; Feniscliffe Bank, Cherry Tree; Kingsway, Longshaw and also the Hopwood Court Rehabilitation Unit are meeting the 38 standards set out in the Care Standards Act 2000.

Any major problems would have been flagged up immediately, while council bosses are now awaiting a full report.

Inspectors ensure all homes in the country are providing the same high quality of care. Standards relate to choice of home, health and personal care, daily life and social activities, complaints and protection, environmental standards, staffing, management and administration.

Blackburn with Darwen Social Services started work on the new standards more than a year before they were officially introduced.

The Blackburn with Darwen Quality Assurance Scheme was developed after listening to which standards older people in the borough placed most importance on.

All six council homes and 32 independent sector homes achieved the council's own standard.

Coun Sue Reid, executive member for social services, said: "We welcome the new quality standards. They mean residents can be assured the home they choose is delivering quality care. The council has been working hard to improve the quality of life for people who need residential care. We are confident inspectors will recognise this.

"A lot of importance is place on staff training to improve services. We are always looking for motivated people to join our team."