Jack Wilson, Labour leader of Chorley, admitted this wek that the local authority would prefer to break away from Lancashire.

He told the Citizen: "We would love to go unitary. This is another blow for district and borough councils.

"Most of the country is run by a single local government.

"Questions need to be asked. Is the county council too large and unresponsive and would a smaller unitary government be more suitable for Chorley's needs?"

The comments come after Councillor Wilson and Labour MP Lindsay Hoyle formed a united front against the proposed closures by Labour-controlled Lancashire County Council. The county council has proposed that the 48 homes for ,250 residents will be cut to 13 providing just 572 places mainly for high dependency residents.

It forms part of a overhaul of residential and day care services for the elderly in the county.

Homes in Chorley earmarked for closure are Healey View, at Botany Brow and Coniston House, Tootell Street.

Councillor Wilson raised the issue as an emergency item at the borough council's executive committee on Tuesday night (February 5) which passed the motion.

He said: "We call on Lancashire County Council to call an immediate halt to these plans and give an assurance that none of our elderly residenst will be moved from their homes.

"Labour-controlled Chorley Borough Council know that there are other solutions to the problems and hope that the county council is not too remote to listen and act on the views of local people.

"This has the complete agreement of Lindsay Hoyle."

Earlier Mr Hoyle said: "Jadck and I are shoulder-to-shoulder on the subject. I don't find it acceptable and want the count council to reconsider."

In response county councillor Don Yates who represents Chorley East said: "I am surprised and disappointed that ther borouigh council has taken this stance over the care homes.

"They have been consulted in partnership with us and were informed two to three months ago that this was going ahead."