REGARDING Lancashire County Council's proposal to close 35 of its homes for the elderly, in his summary of them, social services chief County Councillor CW Cheetham says he supports the drive for higher standards in residential care homes introduced by the government, but adds that the resources for them will not be available, without making radical changes to current services.

But if the government is asking for higher standards, why is it not being made to make funds available? Have they been approached?

The only two county council homes I have visited are Ravengarth, Haslingden, and Olive House, Bacup. Both are extremely comfortable, friendly and well run.

Both homes are decorated to a better standard than many houses. Apart from making all residential rooms en-suite, how else can standards be raised?

I have been inside two private care homes. Although one was clean, there was no atmosphere. The other was small, friendly and spotless, which is what you would expect, it was very well run.

But if the government has its way, most of these homes will disappear, and what will happen to our older people?

While I understand the county council's position with funding, its main and only concern should be the welfare of our older people. We will all be there sooner or later.

The observation that people want to stay in their own homes is ludicrous. My mother-in-law, like many other older people, had her own home, up to and including a year after her husband of many years passed away.

Like many, she and her husband opted to live in sheltered accommodation, but after he had passed away, she was diagnosed with severe clinical depression. Our GP and social services assessed her. We offered our home, but were told we would not be able to cope with her requirements on a 24-hours-a-day basis

She was taken into Ravengarth seven years ago and made a good recovery from her illness. But to take her and other residents out of their environment would spell the end for many.

By producing its "Older People summary" the county council has caused a lot of upset among residents, staff and relatives.

We urge a rethink of these foolish proposals. The county should get on to the government for funding, but must not let our older generation down.

MR P MURRAY, Gregory Fold, Helmshore.