LEGAL action has been launched to force Lancashire County Council to keep some of its care homes open.

A total of 32 of the county's 48 care homes were axed when the council finally announced its decision in September -- prompting public outcry.

Campaigners against the plans have vowed to fight on and today the solicitor acting on behalf of residents from 23 of the homes said she had issued a letter to the council's legal representatives who have 14 days to reply. A writ will be issued on October 28.

Some councils, in whose borough the homes are located, are also backing the fight.

Leading counsel Neil Garnham QC has been instructed to act on behalf of the councils. County Councillor Chris Cheetham, cabinet member for social services, said he was disappointed the fight was going ahead.

Mrs Hossack, of Northampton-based solicitors Hossacks, is an expert in the field of community care and is fighting the council on the issues of human rights on behalf of the residents.

She said: "The claim is based on the rights of the residents and Lancashire County Council's failure to properly consider them and safeguard their future."

Despite months of protests and a campaign to keep the homes open, the county council decided at a heated meeting to axe the homes.

Both the Conservative Party and Liberal Democrats failed in their bids to get the plans put on hold.

Coun Cheetham said: "I am sad and disappointed that this group of councils has chosen to put its efforts into legal action instead of sitting down and talking with us. We will be taking detailed legal advice and responding to all the points raised in due course."