THE idea of closing homes for the elderly should have been strangled at birth.

I would class all who vote for it the same as the mindless yobs who roam our streets mugging old people, stealing their wallet or handbag and leaving them traumatised for life.

I have two wishes. First, that a u-turn will occur long before the final decision is taken in July. And, if not, that Northlands in Great Harwood is left to the town and we can say to county hall "keep your thieving hands off."

J WARD, Lyndon Avenue, Great Harwood.