The closure of a residence for over-55s remains on the cards in spite of the concerns of the residents and of others in Farnworth.

Both Bolton Council and Bolton at Home announced the intention to close Campbell House at the start of a consultation last year.

The residence for over-55s has 15 residents at the time of writing, all of whom are in need of on-site support. They receive this on-site support around the clock from staff at Bolton Cares.

But Bolton Council and Bolton at Home think the facilities at Campbell House, or the lack of facilities, are not compatible with the focus on independent living which is so important to them.

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The council, as the commissioner, wants to remove the on-site support from the accommodation while the housing association, as the landlord, wants to shut the accommodation as a result.

There were concerns from residents and from others in the area at the time of the consultation last year, including a petition with more than 80 signatures, but next week the council's cabinet member for adults' services Cllr Linda Thomas is set to approve the council's side of the proposal.

One resident told the consultation: "I am concerned with how this will affect my mental health as I feel safe and settled in my home at Campbell House."

Another resident told the consultation: "I don't feel able to move. I am extremely distressed by this proposal, it has terrified me, as I don't want to move."

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All residents to be moved are to receive a Home Loss Payment of around £8,000. They are not to be moved until there is an alternative arrangement, whether this is a residence similar to Campbell House such as the one to open at Lever Gardens, Little Lever, or a residence of another type.

There is no decision on the future of Campbell House after its closure amid concern it would attract anti-social behaviour or criminal behaviour if vacant.

A report said: "The recommendations in this report relate to the care element. The landlord, Bolton at Home, will make the decision on whether the housing at the scheme will close. The council has no legal authority on this element of the proposal. 

"It will, however, work in partnership with Bolton at Home to support the affected tenants if the recommendations are implemented."

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