A CAMPAIGNER hopes a National Lottery grant could save a threatened Blackpool blind centre.

Bispham resident Kath Rowson has launched a petition to save the Harold Hoyle complex of sheltered flats for the blind in Warren Drive.

Now she is urging its management to apply for a lottery grant on May 6.

"The theme for grants this time is improving people's living environment and voluntary sector improvement, which seems entirely appropriate," she said.

But Mr Martin Hirst, chief executive of the Blackpool, Fylde and Wyre Society for the Blind, is adamant every avenue has already been tried.

Last Friday (April 4), he had to tell the 25 residents of the closure as soon as he could offer suitable alternative housing.

Rising running costs and falling demand were to blame, he said: a third of the 34 flats were unfilled.

The society has already poured funds into the ill-fated centre, opened in 1972 by then Prime Minister Edward Heath.

It now needs £200,000 repairs or a £2.25m refurbishment - both uneconomic.

This week the residents were still reeling.

Oldest resident Mrs Mary Summersgill, 94, said: "It's a real shock. We're all to be disbanded and we're a very happy crowd."

Mrs Hilda Swarbrick, 89, said they valued their independence: "I don't want to be in a rest home. Here, I've got my own little flat, I can look after it myself and I've always got companionship."

Petition forms are available from Kath Rowson on (01253) 356866.

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