COUNTY Council plans for the future of the area's care homes were dealt a crushing blow this week when council chiefs in Preston teamed across political divides to criticise the ideas.

The city council's three party leaders believe the county council's care home proposals could leave Preston short of facilities.

They took the unusual step of joining together to criticise the county council's plans.

In a hard-hitting statement council leaders listed their concerns and underlined the needs of the elderly which, they say, must come first in any final plans.

In July, Lancashire County Council social services boss Chris Cheetham revealed a new set of proposals after months of public meetings and protesting from residents of the homes.

The changes saw South Ribble given extra time for consultation, and a new home being built in Preston.

But Preston City Council say the plans are not good enough.

In a joint statement party leaders Ian Hall (Labour), Coun Ken Hudson (Conservative) and Ron Marshall (Liberal Democrat) said: "We still need further guarantees from Lancashire County Council before we can be sure these revised proposals are the best way forward for Preston."

The council leaders say any new facilities should be finished before any changes take place; Ainsdale House and Falcon House in Preston should be kept open as care facilities; any increased cost for the city council should be met with support from the county council; and there should be a better partnership between the two authorities to deal with the needs of the area's elderly.

The statement went on: "We understand that changes have to be made but the needs of the elderly have to come first.

"A new care home facility is badly needed in Preston and funding should be released as a priority by Lancashire County Council for this new home.

"We understand this is a difficult issue and would be pleased to work closely with Lancashire County Council to ensure the needs of elderly people can be met fully."

In South Ribble, the council's scrutiny committee are set to meet to discuss the new proposals on Tuesday.

bhewes@lancashire.newsquest.co.uk