FURIOUS Horwich residents have stepped up their campaign against Bolton Council's cost-cutting threat to shut the only local authority old folk's home in their area.

More than 2,500 people have signed a petition and letters are being sent to all 60 councillors on the social services committee in a desperate attempt to keep Stocks Park House open.

About 5,000 leaflets are also being put around Horwich, and a banner is on display at the front of the home.

Mr David Greenfield is spearheading the campaign against the proposed closure of Stocks Park House.

Mr Greenfield said: "It seems totally unfair particularly when Horwich and Blackrod has no other social services facility.

"This affects a lot of people in Horwich and feeling is running high. We are asking the councillors to think again about shutting Horwich off.

"People rely on Stocks Park, particularly those in there. For example one of the residents is blind and has memorised the entire building. She, like so many others, has nowhere else to go."

Next week Mr Greenfield will be pushing an empty wheelchair around Horwich to help publicise the fight.

Other authority-run homes threatened with closure are Lever Edge House in Great Lever, Laburnum Lodge on Breightmet Fold Lane and Firwood House on Crompton Way.

A decision is expected on the closures at the social services committee meeting on August 28, or at the next full council meeting after that.

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