THE final countdown has begun to determine the future of Bury Council's threatened old folks homes.

Residents have until the end of February to make their voice heard over the shake-up of social services for elderly people.

At the heart of the proposals are plans to close Whittaker House in Radcliffe and Warthfield in Bury.

Campaigners won a High Court fight earlier this year to reprieve the homes, when the judge criticised the way the council had consulted over its plans.

Nonetheless, town hall bosses are pressing ahead with the closures. Government inspectors say that Bury places too many people into homes and does not provide sufficient alternative care to help them live at home.

Age Concern will act as an independent advocate for the homes' residents and relatives during the final 12 weeks of consultation. Meetings will also be held with other groups such as Bury Pensioners' Association.

Ms Eleni Ioannides, director of social services, said the council had accepted the High Court's ruling and had acted in accordance with it.

"However, we are still of the opinion that if we are to improve and modernise our older people's services, then the closure of some of our existing homes is highly likely," she said.

"The considered view, at this stage, is that these should be Warthfield and Whittaker House. Having said that, we are open to any alternative suggestions and those put forward as part of this process will be fully considered."

The council has put together an information pack with details of its proposals and the reasoning behind them, and how local people can have their say. For a pack, phone 0161 253 5405.