COUNCILLORS and candidates from all Blackpool's main political parties have joined together in a bid to save one of the council-run rest homes earmarked for closure.

The six men from north Blackpool, who were all rivals in May's election, are united under the banner of CARE, the Caring Alliance for Rest Home Elderly, in saving Warren Manor rest home.

The Anchorsholme care home is threatened with closure in council proposals due to be rubber stamped at a full meeting on October 18 when the doors of Kipling Manor, Whitegate Manor and Low Moor Manor will also be closed.

The sub committee of CARE, which includes former Labour Councillor Norman Holden and Labour candidate Alan Thomson, are now planning a strategy to keep Warren Manor open and are hopeful of another meeting with council leader George Bancroft.

Social services bosses originally announced all eight homes would close with two re-opening as specialist care centres. But, after scenes of public outrage, including demonstrations, an 11,000 signature petition, a march and a campaign by The Citizen, the council turned round their decision by announcing two weeks ago that four of the homes would remain open.

Coun Jon Bamborough said that many of the residents of Warren Manor had already gone through the trauma of being uprooted when the Harold Hoyle Centre closed.

He said: "I am sure everyone would agree that a run down and unpopular rest home should be closed. I have not seen any evidence that any of the council-run homes fall into that category. With only a small investment our care homes could be brought up to four or five star standard.

"The residents of Warren Manor actually chose to live there. They like the fact that there is lots of room, that the staff are both dedicated and understanding, that there is plenty of green open space nearby so they can go for a stroll, that local people in the sheltered housing area next door visit often.

"In short, Warren Manor is a vibrant community which, in turn, helps the larger community around it."

Coun Bamborough appealed to the public to support the campaign to save the home by writing to local councillors, MPs and to the local newspapers.

"Don't forget, many of these people served our country in the war. They have contributed a lifetime to our society. They need and deserve our help. Please don't let them be forgotten."

Pictured are residents Mary Summersgill and Jim Naylor (front) and the six councillors and candidates who have joined forces (rear).