Bolton Council and Bolton at Home are asking residents for their opinions on the future of a complex which provides supported living for older people in Farnworth.

The authorities started a consultation on Campbell House, an 'extra care' service on Campbell Street, today (November 22).

The accommodation consists of 24 properties with 16 residents at the time of writing, all of whom are older people in need of on-site support. There are kitchens but the residents rely on the staff to prepare their food for them.

Bolton Council and Bolton at Home think the facilities, or the lack thereof, are not compatible with a focus on independent living as a result. They want to decommission the site as a care service in summer of next year.

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The consultation reads: "We acknowledge this is difficult for the people living in this property as well as the families and friends of people who support their loved ones in Campbell House. We want to be clear this consultation is taking place because of the issues we face with the facilities within the building and the impact it has on independent living.

"Please note no decision will be made before January 2024," it adds.

All residents to be moved are set to receive a payment of around £8,000.

They are not to be moved until an alternative arrangement is put in place.

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The consultation comes as a new retirement village is developed in Little Lever. The Lever Gardens complex is made up of more than 60 flats built specifically with people over 55 in mind. It includes a bistro and other services.

It is the first of its kind in Bolton.

A spokesperson for Bolton Council said: "The council is working to modernise our Extra Care service by moving to purpose-built homes that provide a better standard of living for our older people.

"Campbell House is too small to achieve the necessary economies of scales needed to provide Extra Care, and lacks the amenities needed to allow residents to live independently.

"These proposals would see Campbell House decommissioned, as more suitable Extra Care facilities become available.

"The proposal is now subject to a consultation. No final decision has been taken and all views will be considered. 

"Should the proposed changes go ahead, Campbell House would be decommissioned as an Extra Care service in summer 2024.

"The health and wellbeing of residents will remain our top priority throughout, and they will be fully supported to get the care they need.”

Subject to the outcome of the consultations, residents living there will be continue to be supported. If the outcome is to decommission the services tenants will be given a home loss payment of £8,100.

The consultation runs from November 22 to January 2. To contribute go to bolton.gov.uk/consultations-petitions/consultation-surveys.

This article was written by Jack Tooth. To contact him, email jack.tooth@newsquest.co.uk or follow @JTRTooth on Twitter.