'I can't believe they called police'

County councillor George Slynn, who has a prosthetic left legand often uses a wheelchair, was barred from Northlands care home, Great Harwood, the ward he represents.

He was escorded from the premises after the manager called the police.

Mr Slynn had his left leg amputated below the knee after it became gangrenous following problems with diabetes and bad circulation.

The meeting was arranged by Lancashire County Council on Tuesday to inform residents, relatives and staff that residents will be moved from the home this summer.

The former leader of Hyndburn Council spoke out against the proposed closure of 32 care homes, including Northlands, in November, saying he would have voted against his ruling Labour group it if he had not been in hospital because of illness.

Mr Slynn, who arrived by taxi and using two sticks to help him walk, said: "I've never had this experience. I was almost shellshocked. The police offered a ride home, but my taxi was still there."

Eileen Bridge, 64, of Moleside Close, Accrington, attended with her 93-year-old aunt Dorothy Wilkinson, who is a resident. She said: "Poor Mr Slynn. He's the only one who is interested."

Kath Shackleton, of Hyndburn Action Committee, was also at the meeting. She said: "The council said they wanted to move the residents in the summer months as opposed to the winter months because the fatality rates in the winter would be greater. I can't believe they called the police to escort Mr Slynn. He's obviously a dangerous man and needs three police officers to remove him!"

A spokesman for Great Harwood Police said: "Someone at Northlands called to say they were having a private meeting and Coun Slynn was making a nuisance of himself."

A county council spokesman said: "The private meeting was part of a series being held for residents, relatives and staff at homes run by the County Council. They are not to be used as a political platform."