SHELTERED housing in Pendle could be under threat according to the borough's top councillors.

They voiced their fears after reading a report by council and health bosses on how to support vuln erable people in Lancashire.

Craven Coun David Whipp and Waterside Coun Tony Greaves claim the report suggests Lancashire has more sheltered housing than the rest of the North West and moves may be taken to 'even out' provision by reducing the number of homes in Pendle.

Coun Whipp said: "Potentially, there is a threat to the funding our sheltered housing schemes currently get.

"If priorities are seen to be elsewhere, we could see existing sheltered housing schemes cut back. We have very little ability to fight that.

"The Government is saying it has to cut the amount it is spending and we've got to be alert to the dangers implicit in this."

Coun Whipp called for elected councillors to have a voice on the committee behind the report -- Lancashire Supporting People Partnership -- and for regular updates on the funding situation for sheltered housing in Pendle.

Coun Greaves said the report was 'alarming'.

He said: "It says the number of household housing units for older people with support needs is very high. In other words, we are spending too much money on sheltered housing for older people. I say, tell that to older people in Pendle and see what they say about it.

"Under proposals for the next five years, it says 'eradicate ineligible services, principally high unit cost, ineligible learning disability services and support in sheltered housing for older people that is not necessary'. It's very alarming.

"They say we have an oversupply which we have to 'eradicate' -- what a word to use of much-valued services for older people. When this council came into being there was a belief right across the parties that sheltered housing was something we should put more resources into and now we're being told it doesn't matter what people in Pendle think. It's wrong."