CHECKS have been made on two former homes for the elderly in Blackburn to make certain they are fit to house the refugees.

Residents who live near the Shadsworth House home in Dunoon Drive and the Laneside home in Shorrock Lane have seen Blackburn with Darwen Council vans coming and going from the homes.

They say that is the first sign of activity since the homes were closed in February as part of a council cost-cutting exercise.

The council has already confirmed that it has earmarked the two homes as possible destinations should the area be chosen to accommodate refugees.

A spokeswoman said: "We do expect to be asked to take in some of the refugees but, as yet, we have still to be given our 48-hour notice period by the Government."

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