TWO homes for the elderly are due to close in Lytham after serving the community for a combined total of more than 40 years.

Lancashire County Council is to close Clifton House after a working group assessed its size, location, facilities, occupancy and location of neighbouring homes.

The home, on Ballam Road, was opened in the mid 1960s and has cared for the elderly ever since.

A spokesman for social services said: "The wording of the motion passed is that the working group are minded to recommend the change of use for the home.

"That means it will go to a consultation with the residents of the home, their families and and the staff.

"If no serious objections are lodged, then the home will close - but that is not a certainty yet."

County Councillor Doreen Pollitt chaired the working group.

She describes the move as a step forward in the residential care strategy.

She said: "We are taking a radical look at services for our population of older people because we know that needs for different forms of service have developed and we must move with new requirements.

"We want to consult people who will be affected directly by any ideas for change and this will be the next step."

St Paul's Nursing Home, East Beach, Lytham, will also close on September 30.

It will revert to convent use after ten years as a nursing home.

A spokesman for the home said: "The sisters have decided to use the home as a convent for the more elderly sisters.

"It will be like a rest home for those who don't require medical care.

"The patients, including lay residents, are currently moving out and the building will revert to its original convent use."

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