PROTESTORS mounted a demonstration on Saturday to save a former Widnes care home as a facility for the elderly.

Residents waved placards outside the vacant Lilycross Care Centre on Wilmere Lane – shut down by a health watchdog - to highlight the shortage of beds for older people.

The 60-bed dementia home had its licence withdrawn by Halton Magistrates in October after Care Quality Commission inspectors uncovered a catalogue of failings, branding every aspect of care ‘inadequate’.

Campaigner Karen Forde, 33, from Farnworth, said: “At least 100 concerned neighbours braved the bad weather and turned up to a demo.

“This building is in the green belt and only got planning permission because it is a care home. If the change of use is granted this care home is gone forever.”

Plans to turn the property into an asylum hostel will be discussed by Halton councillors at a development control meeting at the Select Security Stadium on Monday.

Campaigners have pledged to protest outside.

Two petitions and objections from 774 individuals have been submitted.

Many claim the remote location with no shops or amenities make it unsuitable for a hostel.

Halton MP Derek Twigg said: “Lilycross was built to house 60 elderly persons. How can that building house 120 persons some of whom will be families?”

Eleven letters of support have been received.

Planners are recommending approval for the asylum hostel with conditions.

Visit the council website http://bit.ly/2iepfz3 for more details.