ABOUT 18 years ago, I sold a house in Colne, which had been made into two flats for my wife and I and my parents, but was still too large.

It was made into a retirement home and considerable work was done.

It is now up for sale, I see -- probably because further changes would need to be made to meet the new standards.

Some degree of flexibility should be used in applying new rules to existing care homes, or grants awarded to cover absolutely essential changes.

R MEADOWCROFT (Mr), Highfield Street, Darwen.