CONTROVERSIAL plans to close two old folk's homes have been supported by a health boss.

Blackburn with Darwen Council caused a storm of protest by announcing that it wanted to shut Shadsworth House and Laneside Home, Blackburn.

Relatives of residents have claimed that the two homes have been run down to closure under the pretence of a consultation period.

But David Peat, chief executive of the East Lancashire Health Authority, says he fully backs the moves in a report to tomorrow's meeting. His report says: "The health authority welcomes the initiative by Blackburn with Darwen Council in reviewing its service provision to older people.

"It is felt important for all agencies to ensure that service provision is appropriate, accessible and timely.

"Currently faced with an increasing population of older people the health authority is keen to work closely with other agencies to ensure local services can meet future need."

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.