A BROTHER and sister from Colne have collected 1,000 signatures in protest against plans to close down old people's homes.

Ashley Aspin, 14, and his sister Carlie, 13, were so angry when they heard that the homes might close they decided to set up their own petition, copies of which have been distributed to local shops.

The petition states: "We people of Pendle disagree with the council's proposals to close 35 homes throughout Lancashire, leaving 600 plus vulnerable pensioners homeless".

Their mum works in one of the homes in Pendle and the pair have regularly visited the elderly people living there.

Ashley, a pupil at West Craven High School, Barnoldswick, said: "I can't believe that our county council can be

so thoughtless towards the elderly people who live in these homes.

"I have visited these homes and have seen that the people are happy and well cared for.

"These people are elderly and will not take kindly to a upheaval of any kind.

"My sister and I are so upset at the thought of these people, residents and staff alike, being chucked out of their homes and their workplaces that we decided to start a petition going.

"We first took it to school and got more than 150 signatures, we then went to Nelson Town Centre and the amount rose to 550.

"I think the community should be standing up for the rights of their elderly people. People should start up petitions and help us.

"Some people refused to sign the petition because they didn't live in Pendle. but it will happen in other places as well."

The pair hope to pass the petition to Gordon Prentice MP. Lancashire County Council wants to close the homes, 19 of which are in East Lancashire, to save the £14.5 million it would cost to upgrade them.

A consultation process is currently under way.