AN extra £70,000 is being sought to pay for home adaptations for the elderly and infirm in Ribble Valley.

Twelve households in Clitheroe, Whalley and surrounding areas are still on a waiting list for the likes of walk-in showers, stairlifts and hand-rails, councillors have been told.

Three urgent cases have been dealt with since September and there are still thought to be enough funds in the budget for any mandatory referrals from occupational therapists.

But to ensure cases are dealt with in a timely manner, the borough council’s housing strategy officer, Rachel Stott, has requested an additional £70,000 from the authority’s health and housing committee.

She confirmed that £50,000 was allocated in September, on top of a £50,000 budget, to ensure the adaptations continued.

If these plans find favour, £200,000 of the borough’s £706,000 Better Care Fund will have been invested this way. The committee meets on Thursday.