HEALTH bosses have quashed fears a Whitefield respite care home is under the threat of closure.

Cambeck Close, a 10-bed residential facility for children and adults with learning disabilities, has suffered a recent problem in recruiting staff.

But Bury Primary Care Trust, which runs the home, issued a statement yesterday after it was made aware a petition was being drummed up by local residents to save it.

Mrs Ann Kearns, the Trust's director of services, said: "I can assure residents and other users of Cambeck Close that it is not going to close."

"Although there has been a reduction in the number of beds open in recent months, due to problems in recruiting staff, this will be resolved very shortly as vacant posts will be filled."

She added that, together with colleagues at Bury Community Health Council, she would be willing to meet residents, carers or users of the service to allay their fears.