RECEIVERS have been called in after the owner of a former care home fell behind on her mortgage repayments.

Great Harwood Lodge closed last month, giving the 17 residents just two hours to leave.

Security guards have been at the site, in Edward Street, Great Harwood, since Wednesday night after they were called in to protect the premises.

Now Pam Jackson, who says she owns the building with her husband, faces court proceedings but says she wants to re-open the business as a children's home.

Andrew Rodger, of Leeds-based GVA Grimley, confirmed he had been appointed receiver and said the matter was in the hands of solicitors pending proceedings against Mrs Jackson at Blackburn Magistrates Court next month.

Mrs Jackson, 45, said she had missed one repayment of the mortgage on the home, which she said they paid £500,000 for in 1990.

"I want to get the place back open, I'm buying it off the bank," she said.

Police in Great Harwood say they spoke to Mrs Jackson after they were called to the home at lunchtime on Thursday when she turned up unexpectedly while the receivers were there.

The 24-bedroomed home closed with the loss of 19 jobs after concerns raised by watchdog the National Care Standards Commission were not addressed in spite of several requests.

Magistrates issued an urgent closure notice and residents were found alternative accommodation, with some of them going to nearby county-run Northlands which itself has been earmarked for closure as part of Lancashire County Council's plans to overhaul the service.