The turn-out of hundreds of East Lancashire people on our 'Save Our Homes' march at the weekend was a spectacular show of solidarity with the scores of old folk living in dread of being uprooted from their care homes by the County Council's closure plans.

But, equally, it was a massive signal telling Lancashire's leaders that the proposals are wrong -- and that they must scrap them and think again.

That is the only response people will accept.

For in stubbornly sticking to 'consultation' over its plans to shut 35 of its 48 care homes, of which 19 are in East Lancashire, the County is daily stoking up more anger and anxiety over the fate of so many frail and vulnerable old people -- when it has already has glaring proof that the proposals are not wanted.

And it is both cruel and crass to continue with them.

This policy is arguably the most unpopular the County Council has ever come up with.

The march on Saturday told it so. The cross-party support for it -- and the backing of Labour MPs and councillors -- also told Lancashire's ruling group that they have got it wrong. So, too, has the deluge of outrage ever since the closures were proposed.

And, above all, it was the the human aspect of the protest that spelled out what this is all about...people.

For on the march were not just representatives concerned at the political or logistical effects of the closure plans, but ordinary people -- relatives, friends and care home workers -- worried at their impact on old folk living in the homes now and those who might need them in the future.

With them, the excuse that so many homes must suddenly shut to pay for the upgrading of the remainder cuts no ice. The closure proposals simply entail too much all at once -- at dreadful risk to the old folk living in the homes at present and to the extent of residential care in the future.

That's the message that was spelled out so spectacularly on Saturday. And Lancashire County Council must heed it now.