EAST Lancashire MPs have backed a union leader's concern about the closure of children's homes in the county.

Tim Ellis, regional officer of public service union UNISON, has written to local parliamentarians saying the plans are "a ticking timebomb, a tragedy waiting to happen."

Local MPs Greg Pope, Peter Pike, Gordon Prentice, Nigel Evans and Lindsay Hoyle are now demanding details of what is happening and why.

They have begun consulting on plans to axe homes in Branacre Road, Longridge, in Ribble Valley Tory Nigel Evans constituency, and Blake Gardens in Great Harwood, in Labour Greg Pope's seat.

Two more homes in Mr Hoyle's Chorley constituency also face the axe. All will close before next April if the plans go ahead.

Already two homes -- Marsden Road Hall Home in Mr Prentice's Pendle constituency and Dyke Nook Resource and Reception Centre in Hyndburn -- closed last September. Mr Ellis said that with the number of fosterers reducing, many children were being left at risk.

County chiefs insist that they will not take place until alternative arrangements have been made.

Mr Ellis is demanding that any closures be suspended until there are proper arrangements for the children.

The new row follows massive protests against plans to close more than 30 residential care homes for the elderly.

Mr Pope said: "I have already written to Pauline Oliver, the director of Social Services, wanting to know what is happening. I want to find out what the score is."

Mr Prentice said: "I am concerned about this and will be taking it up."

Ribble Valley MP Mr Evans said: "I am contacting the Social Services Department for more details."

A spokesman for the county said the increasing demand for foster care places was leading to a need to reduce residential closures, but promised: "We have been in discussion with UNISON on the proposals and will continue to work with them to ensure that all the children in our care continue to receive the most appropriate care."