Fresh Hopes For Former Lancashire Care Home

A FORMER care home which has been put up for sale by a council may still be developed as a home for the elderly.

Lancashire County Council said it was in talks with developers with a view to ensuring Hill Top in Baxenden would be developed into a care home as promised more than two years ago.

The former residential care facility off Manchester Road was one of Lancashire County Council’s 17 “surplus” properties, on its list for disposal.

Bosses admitted the economic slump was affecting sales of the buildings, which also includes former libraries and care homes, A local councillor said that the site was becoming an “eyesore” but the county council revealed that discussions were ongoing about its sale even though potential investors were being ‘cautious’.

County Councillor Anne Brown, cabinet member for adult and community services, said: “We are currently talking to a care provider about developing an Extra Care housing scheme on the Hill Top site.

“Increasing the amount of Extra Care housing for older people is a real priority for the county council as it provides a high level of support to people in their own homes and helps them to live independently for longer.

“Developers are currently being very cautious about committing to new schemes but we have a number of options and will be meeting this week to discuss a way forward.”

Councillor John Griffths, Baxenden representative, said: “It is an eyesore and we want to see something done on the site.

“We have been hoping the site will be developed for at least two years now.”

Building sales make a vital contribution to County Hall’s capital programme, which funds long-term projects like highways improvements and schools buildings.