WHEELCHAIR-bound residents of Worsley House, in Fleetwood, took part in a protest demonstration this weekend against council plans to close their beloved home.

Relatives of residents also turned up to the march on Saturday to show their support along with members of Worsley House Action Group, despite the dull and overcast weather.

Elderly residents were elated at the public support they encountered as they were pushed along Fleetwood's front all the way up to the Ferry Cafe, where the protest ended. Car drivers sounded their horns and waved as they passed the steadfast campaigners who even had two lively Yorkshire terriers in their cheery troupe.

Leader of the Worsley House Action Group, Pat Gordon, said: "The residents really enjoyed the day and they felt as if they were doing something effective.

"Their morale has been flagging a bit again lately and the massive amount of support we received from members of the public who came up and empathised with the residents on the march was a great boost to them.

"There are still members of the public who are ignorant of their plight and we want to alert them and get them to join us."

The financial organisers of the action group, Andrew Khamby and Pat Gordon, are to present a business plan outlining ways that Worsley House can be kept up and running to County Councillor Chris Cheetham on June 10.

Campaigners are also holding a carboot sale this Saturday in the Broadway pub carpark on Beech Road, Fleetwood. Many of the residents will be present and there will also be an information stall that will be distributing "flyers" about their plight.

On May 19 Worsley House will also be holding a garden party for the residents and members of the public. MP for Blackpool and Fleetwood North, Joan Humble, has been invited and the party will get underway at 1.30pm.

Mrs Gordon added: "We are trying to combine public awareness with entertainment for the residents to keep their spirits up and avoid them getting too bogged down in all the heavy debates that have been happening."