A COFFIN containing a petition bearing 35,000 names was 'laid to rest' outside County Hall on Saturday as protesters held another rally against moves to shut care homes.

Hundreds of people from across the county travelled to Preston for the march, bringing the city to a standstill.

After gathering on Preston's flag market, the marchers travelled down Fishergate to County Hall, where the coffin was left -- with 'Lancashire County Council Social Services RIP' written on its side.

A decision on plans to close 35 of Lancashire's care homes, which would save £14.5million in repairs and refurbishments, was due to be made on Monday.

But last month, Chris Cheetham, the councillor in charge of social services, put back the decision a month so more meetings could be held with organisations interested in taking over some of the homes.

And a report by backbench councillors into the proposals was also late, so Coun Cheetham wanted more time to study it.

That report was discussed by the cabinet on Monday. It accuses the consultants engaged to compile the report of writing their evidence in favour of closure.

The march through Preston included union representatives and campaigners from across Lancashire.

When plans were unveiled in 1999 to close five homes in the county, a similar protest saw thousands of people gather, with some dressed as the grim reaper.

Protesters have claimed evidence from Kent suggest the shock of having to move homes can kill old people.

Despite requesting that either Coun Cheetham or council leader Hazel Harding receive the coffin, campaigners were told neither were available.

A spokesman for LCC said: "Nobody from the council is available on Saturday but the campaigners are welcome to come in next week and present the petition."