PROTESTERS are outraged after plans were approved which could divert cash from care homes sales away from caring for the elderly.

County council finance chief Coun Tony Martin has approved a new document which will allow the cash to be used for county council priority schemes, such as new waste and recycling depots.

The authority said the decision, taken under 'delegated powers', was little more than a 'belt and braces exercise' and had come about because they were raising more than expected from the sale of the homes.

But care home campaigners said it was a 'despicable U-turn' on an agreement that any money raised from closing the homes would be spent on improving care services.

The county council prompted widespread anger with its decision to close 32 of its 48 care homes in 2002.

Some of the homes have been sold and others earmarked for 'partnership projects' designed to provide new forms of elderly care, helping pensioners retain their independence.

Coun Martin said: "This is really just a belt and braces exercise. At the moment, our top priority is the care homes, but I am trying to move the authority away from this idea that if you raise money from the sale of something within one department, it stays in that department. We have raised £3million from the care home sites we have sold so far. We only expected £1million.

"Our two priorities at the moment are care homes and sorting out new waste transfer stations. That could change though, and we need the money to meet our priorities."

Lynne Atkinson, one of the leading care home campaigners whose mother lives in Hill Top home in Baxenden - meant to be sold but now to be used for a form of sheltered housing - said: "This is a disgusting U-turn. We told them they were undervaluing the sites. If they make more money than expected, it should be used for improving elderly services. They can always be improved."

Ribble Valley Tory MP Nigel Evans said: "This has been a complete betrayal. It's deception on a grand scale. The money should be ring-fenced exclusively for the care of the elderly.

"The council could provide more and better sheltered accommodation but, in particular, it could dramatically improve home care packages for elderly people."

Hyndburn Council leader Peter Britcliffe said: "I find this an incredible about-turn which will offend many people. Perhaps they hoped no-one would notice."

Pendle MP Gordon Prentice said: "I am convinced that the county council never meant to short change Lancashire's elderly people. However, in view of the controversy over the sale of the care homes, I hope Coun Martin will give a full account of the money being spent on care for the elderly at the county and what is being spent on these other priority schemes."