THREE East Lancashire councils have refused to back High Court action over the closure of county care homes, because of the cost to tax payers.

Burnley, Chorley, Wyre and Ribble Valley councils are mounting a legal challenge to the decision to close 32 of Lancashire County Council's care homes.

But Rossendale and Pendle councils are joining Hyndburn by opting out of the coalition.

Coun Ian Ormerod, the leader of Hyndburn Council, revealed that it would have cost £30,000 to join the protest of other district councils -- cash he thinks would be better spent elsewhere.

Coun John McManus, chairman of Rossendale's overview and scrutiny committee, said: "We oppose any High Court moves.

"We believe it is worthwhile councils working together in partnership with the county council and health authority to try to make sure the result of the changes proposed will be better care for elderly people.

"We are certainly not going to spend that amount of money.

"But, in principle, we don't want to do it anyway."

Thirty two of the county council's 47 care homes are to close, despite a massive campaign of opposition, as the authority moves towards caring for more elderly people in their own homes.

The move outraged elderly residents, their families, MPs and care home workers as public opinion failed to prevent the closures, despite a period of consultation.

At a meeting of Hyndburn's full council at Accrington Town Hall on Thursday, Coun Ormerod was challenged by councillors.

Coun Winifred Frankland said: "Why haven't Hyndburn joined with the other Labour councils in objecting to what is going on?

"All our neighbours are going for judicial review and we are doing sod all."

Coun Ormerod said: "I took legal advice on this and I was told that it would cost money for a start, maybe £30,000 of tax payers money, which I am reluctant to do.

"I am also told the likelihood of that would be to go back to Lancashire County Council to deal with it on at their own council.

"Solicitors cost around £175 an hour and £30,000 could well be a conservative sum and once you get sucked into that it is difficult to back out.

"We reluctantly did not agree to join the consortium because we didn't think Hyndburn tax payers would thank us for losing £30,000 on their behalf."