OWNERS of retirement and nursing homes for the elderly in the Fylde fear they could be forced to close when new community care centres open in the area.

New purpose-built care units costing £3 million each are currently being built at the Wesham and Rossall hospital sites and at a site off Kingcraig Road, Blackpool.

The units will provide for up to 40 elderly people and will include extensive rehabilitation facilities for patients.

But owners of nursing and residential homes fear the new centres could force them to close by taking patients who would otherwise stay in their homes.

Alena Vivian, owner of the Grosvenor Mews Residential Home in Kirkham, said: "There is over provision by 50 per cent in the Fylde in the private home care sector at the moment and a lot are struggling since the introduction of the community care scheme.

"Our home is purposely designed for the rehabilitation of patients and we take people from hospital who are convalescing so we could do most of the things provided by the centres.

"Why are millions of pounds being spent on the new centres when it will take business away from existing homes which are already struggling?

"Some homes may well close once the centres open."

Concern was also expressed by Lancashire Care Association chief executive Pauline Spencer. She said: "It is important a criteria is set for which patients use the centres.

"If the patients need a high level of medical intervention then the centres are obviously useful.

"But if intermediate care is required this can be far better provided by independent homes as most elderly people find them more comfortable and they can choose one near to where they live."

A spokesperson for Fylde's Community Health Trust insisted the new centres would provide facilities not available elsewhere. She said: "The new centres will only take in patients referred from hospital, so we should not be taking business away from homes.

"Residential and care homes are facing a tough time now but this is because more people are opting to stay at home as more NHS support is available.

"We appreciate the difficulties private homes face.

"But more and more elderly people want to be independent and live in their own homes and the new centres will enable more to do so by providing unique rehabilitation facilities."