AN 82-YEAR-OLD Blackpool pensioner told a shocked meeting that she would take her own life if the care home in which she lived was shut down.

Beatrice Hindle, from Kipling Manor -- one of the eight care homes threatened with closure by Blackpool council -- was one of many old people to speak at an emotional meeting held at Norbreck Castle at the weekend.

"If they shut Kipling Manor I will put an end to my life. I will be the first to go," she said.

Around 250 people, including pensioners, their families and a handful of councillors, gathered in the hotel's ballroom for a meeting organised by the newly-formed support group CARE -- the Caring Alliance for Rest Home Elderly.

But, although councillors from all parties were present, council leader George Bancroft and social services bosses did not attend.

There was overwhelming support for the present system of care in the council-run homes and stories and speeches from residents and their families about their personal experiences were warmly applauded.

Mike Cheetham, whose 90-year-old mother, Jenny, lives in Ashfield House, said his mother would not leave the home without putting up a fight.

"They will have to put a bomb behind her or drag her out with a bulldozer," he said.

John Simpson, from the Blackpool Pensioners' Pressure Group, pledged his support and urged campaigners to write to the Prime Minister.

Labour councillor Philip Dunne stressed the decision to close the homes was made because research findings proved there was no longer a demand for beds and not because of the council's cashflow problems which he said were "not serious".

The social services committee is meeting on August 30 to discuss further the plans to close the homes. There will then be a full council meeting on October 18.