RELATIVES of residents at Radcliffe's closure-threatened Whittaker House have vowed to wage a campaign for its survival.

One woman, whose 93-year-old mother has been at the old people's home for the past seven years, says she's even prepared to chain herself to the railings.

Relatives and friends of residents are to attend one of a series of consultation meetings with Bury Council social services bosses at Whittaker House tonight (Thurs May 30).

The Radcliffe home is one of four elderly people's establishments which could close under radical plans to dramatically cut long-term accommodation in local authority homes across the borough.

Whittaker House, situated in Whittaker Street, has been proposed for closure by the middle of next year because there is no money to bring the establishment up to registration requirements.

Mrs Susan Jennings, whose 93-year-old mother Ada is a resident, was present when the closure threat was delivered.

"You could see the colour drain from their faces. It was just heartbreaking to watch them. The residents and the staff are completely devastated," she said.

Mrs Jennings, of Irwell Close, Radcliffe, said: "Myself and many other relatives are terribly upset. We are worried that all the residents will be split up and go to different homes.

"Whittaker House is one of the best homes in the borough. I'm not fighting just for my mum, but for all the other 50 or so residents there. They are all like a family. My mum's been there for seven years and it's her home. The threat to close the home is outrageous and everyone is devastated."

Mrs Jennings and other concerned relatives are launching a campaign to save the home.

"We're starting petitions and sending letters out. If the council doesn't change its mind and insist the home will close, then we'll have to get together for a protest march.

"As far as I'm concerned, they'll have to drag us away kicking and screaming. I'm quite prepared to handcuff myself to the railings. That's how strongly I feel."

Mrs Jennings is also angry that while social services claim they cannot find the money needed to bring the home up to registration requirements, there are plans to build a museum in Radcliffe.

"The museum is just something that people will look at for five minutes. But at Whittaker House, we are talking about the future of so many people."

Bury Council is expected to make a decision on Whittaker House and the three other homes under threat on June 19.

It is proposed that the town's other home for the elderly, Red Bank House, should become a resource centre, with beds for respite and short stays.