LANCASHIRE'S director of social services has announced she is to retire early.

Pauline Oliver, who has been in the post for 11 years, will step down next spring.

Hazel Harding, leader of the county council, said Mrs Oliver will be making way for new blood.

The department has faced increasing criticism from community groups and district councils for their shake-up of social services which includes the proposed closure of several care homes.

Mrs Oliver's retirement coincides with Preston City Council getting the go-ahead to fight plans by the county to shut down care homes. Preston and four other local councils were guided this week by top London barrister, Neil Garnham QC, to press on with their judicial review. Mr Garnham has been successful in a similar action against Bury Metropolitan Council and has advised the councils to take the case to the High Court.

Council leader Ian Hall said: "There is a strong feeling among the whole council about the issue of the care homes and we shall be considering the legal advice in detail and how it relates to Preston."