ONE of Bury Council's old people's homes - Croich Hey just over Bolton boundary at Hawkshaw - looks set to close. Bury councillors say they are "reluctantly examining the possibility of closure." But there will be a consultation period of up to three months before a final decision is taken.

Social Services committee members made the decision after reviewing the implications of 'The Accommodation Needs of Elderly People in Bury', a report which concluded that although there were shortages in some kinds of accommodation, the borough was over-provided with residential and nursing care homes.

Social Services Chairman John Costello said the findings of the report combined with the high costs of Croich Hey "made consideration of the closure inevitable".

He said the main concern was for the residents, their relatives and the staff at the home and added: "This is far too important and sensitive an issue to rush into and we are determined to ensure that everyone has a chance to have their say."

The red brick home, situated on Bolton Road, has 22 staff and 14 residents with room for two more.

It is expected that if closure is sanctioned, staff will be redeployed and residents will be able to choose an alternative home.

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