PROTESTERS took to the streets to complain about the closure of four council old folks' homes.

They brought traffic to a halt as they blocked zebra crossings around Bury town centre on Saturday (July 27) morning.

The protest was organised by Bury Pensioners' Association, who say they had great support from the public.

Association leaders are tomorrow (Wed July 31) meeting with solicitors to decide whether to press ahead with a legal challenge to the closures, on the grounds that residents' human rights have been infringed.

The four homes concerned are Claremont in Prestwich and Warthfield in Bury, due to close this autumn, to be followed next summer by Whittaker House in Radcliffe and Beech Grove in Bury.

On Saturday, campaigners held demos in Kay Gardens, Princess Parade and, after walking through the Mill Gate centre, along the length of The Rock.

Mr John Schollick, vice-chairman of Bury Pensioners' Association, said that around 40 people took part in the protest, including Bury councillors Dorothy Gunther and Vic D'Albert.

"We had good support from the public and people who were out shopping," he said. "Many people signed petitions, while others took them away to be filled in and sent back later."

Social services bosses say Bury provides too much residential home care and not enough to help people live in their own homes.