BURY'S threatened council-run old folks homes could be bought up and run as going concerns by private firms.

The glimmer of hope for Warthfield in Bury and Whittaker House in Radcliffe emerged this week as councillors delayed making a decision on these homes for a further 12 weeks.

Social services bosses have declined to name the companies on the grounds of commercial sensitivity. But they say they will examine the option seriously over the coming three months. Councillor Mike Connolly, executive member for health and social services, said: "We have had two separate approaches from the independent sector to buy both homes as a going concern, and we are actively pursuing this."

During months of consultation, other alternatives have been put forward by those campaigning to save the homes. These include turning the homes into day centres, very sheltered housing schemes, or "catch-all" resource centres. Another idea is to close Warthfield and move the residents into Whittaker House.

In proposing the 12-week delay at Wednesday's (March 19) executive, Coun Connolly added: "It would be wrong of us if we went straight to making a decision now. People came forward with alternatives and it's right that we investigate them."