The closure of a residence for over-55s is a step closer after approval of the removal of a care service from the site 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 around a dozen residents at this time, all of whom are in need of on-site support. They receive the on-site support around the clock from staff at Bolton Cares.

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

The council, as the commissioner, wanted to remove the care service from the accommodation whereas the housing association, as the landlord, wanted 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 this week council leader Nick Peel approved the council's side of the proposal on behalf of the council's cabinet member for adult services Linda Thomas.

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Cllr Peel said: "From the council's point of view it is clear we aspire to have facilities which enable independent living and Campbell House does not tick the box. The model there is outdated."

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 but Paul Sanders, a councillor for the Farnworth South, said there was a need for a replacement service. Cllr Peel said there is a possibility of a replacement service on another site in the area or the same site.

Cllr Sanders said: "People want to live here because this is where their families are, this is where their GPs are, the hospital is up the road and the connections to the town centre are excellent so to not have a service in this area would be absolutely detrimental to residents."

Cllr Peel said: "Hopefully it will not be long before a report comes in about recommissioning the service potentially on the same site."

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