IN reply to Councillor Sue Reid's comments (Letters, December 30), on the closure of two homes for the elderly, Shadsworth House and Laneside, Mill Hill, she talks about saving £648,000, but at a meeting in Shadsworth House councillors were asked if closure was to save money - to which the reply was 'No.'

Although the money which will be saved will be spent on other things, the fact that, when they got unitary status Blackburn Council inherited the eight old people's homes with 330 beds, of which 83 were empty, led to the decision that, in the foreseeable future, fewer beds will be wanted, as most people were turning to care in the community and staying in their own homes - so two homes for the elderly could be closed.

We, in the Shadsworth Action Group do not have the trust our councillors have in care in the community. A recent survey on TV told of 600 deaths since care in the community started. We had one recently in Darwen and my mother was receiving care in the community and she nearly died.

People who go into residential homes are not able to cope by themselves for even one hour, they are confused and suffer from memory loss and, if left in the community, are vulnerable targets for criminals as well as being a danger to themselves.

Our action group does not say that the need to close any homes is out - we say that we understand the strain on the social services budget and that cuts may be needed. But what we have pointed out to councillors is that we think they have not gone through their criteria well enough. Shadsworth House has just been refurbished and newly-decorated and had new carpets laid. It also has double glazing and is a purpose-built home.

Other homes in the borough are in need of decorating, refurbishing and new carpets which will cost money, whereas the only cost at Shadsworth House, in the foreseeable future, will be for maintenance.

Can we believe our councillors any more - when the council leader stated that if Blackburn got unitary status they would not close any old folk's homes?

We were told this statement was a mistake. The council also said that Shadsworth House was prone to vandalism. When we asked about this, we were told it was probably the wrong word to use - another mistake. So come on, councillors, admit you could have made another mistake in choosing Shadsworth House for closure.

And if they are as caring, understanding and sympathetic as we keep getting told, why don't they give up their £200 a month allowances. They have all just got a rise that, with 62 councillors, equals £148,000 a year - which would help to keep Shadsworth House open.

MARJORIE McCARTHY (Shadsworth Action Group), Dunoon Drive, Shadsworth, Blackburn.

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