LEGAL action has been launched to force Lancashire County Council to keep open some of its care homes.

A total of 32 of the county's 48 care homes were axed when the council finally announced its decision in September -- prompting public outcry.

Seventeen are in East Lancashire.

Campaigners against the plans have vowed to fight on and today the solicitor acting on behalf of residents from 23 homes said she had issued a letter to the council's legal representatives who have 14 days to reply.

A writ will be issued on October 28.

Some councils in which homes are located are also backing the fight, including Burnley, Ribble Valley and Chorley.

Hyndburn, Pendle and Rossendale have opted out amid fears of the potential cost to taxpayers.

County Coun Chris Cheetham, cabinet member for social services, said he was disappointed the fight was going ahead.

Mrs Hossack, of Northampton-based solicitors Hossack's, is an expert in the field of community care and is fighting the council on the issues of Human Rights on behalf of the residents.

She said: "The claim is based on the rights of the residents and Lancashire County Council's failure to properly consider them and safeguard their future."

Despite months of protests and a campaign by the Lancashire Evening Telegraph to keep the homes open, Lancashire County Council made the decision to axe the homes at a heated meeting.