REGARDING Lancashire County Council proposing to close 19 homes for the elderly (LET, February 1), the thought of having to leave the one I live in -- Ravengarth, in Haslingden -- is unbearable.

I have been truly happy in this home. There has been real contentment, which I thought had gone for ever. After my husband died I had a bad nervous breakdown and my social worker brought me to Ravengarth for safety.

In about two months I was a different person and began to enjoy life again. To me, it is a great, friendly place where so much is done to keep us happy.

Over the years, there have been changes of different kinds, but we always get good carers and domestics to look after us. Our officers are always there to help us over rough patches we get from time to time.

To me, it has been a real home in every sense of the word.

I have lived in Ravengarth for more than seven years in happiness and contentment. If I have to leave here it will shatter me.

FLORENCE VALENTINE, Ravengarth Home for the Elderly, Lancaster Avenue, Haslingden.