COUNCILLORS in Ribble Valley have agreed to contribute towards the cost of a legal challenge by Chorley Council against the proposed closure of 32 care homes in Lancashire.

Ribble Valley Council joined other district councils in a test case brought before the High Court by Chorley Council against the proposed closure of Coniston House and Healey View, Chorley.

The legal action alleged Lancashire County Council plans to close care homes across the county would violate the human rights of elderly residents.

The action, due to go ahead this month, was withdrawn, after Lancashire County Council gave guarantees about the welfare of residents and promised no-one would be moved if they were not well enough.

Ribble Valley Council's Policy and Finance Committee gave the thumbs-up to a request by Chorley Council for £2,000 towards legal costs incurred as a result of the proposed High Court action.

Council leader Chris Holtom said: "Councillors voted overwhelmingly to support the request for help by Chorley Council towards its legal costs."