OLDER people in Pendle are being asked what kind of home they would like to live in as part of plans to revamp a care home in Fence.

Proposals have been put forward to turn Wheatley Court into 31, one-bedroom flats with round-the-clock support for tenants, and access to care.

The sheltered housing scheme offers a new service to elderly people who wish to remain independent, but need to know help is there if they need it.

Now developers, councillors, and health bosses want people to tell them what they would like to see in Wheatley Court's communal areas -- and is holding two drop-in sessions next week to hear their views.

Pendle Council's housing strategy and partnerships officer Clive Thomasson said: "We know that an Extra Care scheme is needed in the Barrowford and Western Parishes area, and are excited about the proposals at Fence.

"Extra Care is a partnership scheme between a sheltered housing provider and a care agency, providing high levels of flexible care funded through Social Services.

"Now we want to find out what kind of facilities local people would like to see on offer in the Extra Care scheme's communal areas. For example, would they like a restaurant on site, or a more modern internet caf style of dining?

"The two events will give them the chance to tell us, and make other suggestions."

Lancashire County Council gave the green light to the Wheatley Court scheme last year. Extra Care brings former care homes back into use for the elderly.

Accent North West has been chosen to develop Wheatley Court, in Wheatley Close.

Coun David Clegg, executive member for housing, said : "We've already consulted local people, and once we have their views on what kind of communal facilities people would like Accent North West will draw up their final plans for the scheme."

The drop-in sessions will be on Monday at Fence Library, and on Tuesday at Roughlee Village Hall.

There is free transport to the Roughlee session, picking up at Barley car park every half-hour from 2pm until 4pm.