A furious political row has erupted over the future of an Leigh old people's home.

At the heart of the issue was a Lib Dem leaflet sent to residents of Spencer House in Randolph Close, Leigh, which claimed the Tories could be set to close the property.

However, Gwen Horrigan, executive councillor for housing, said the Tory administration had no intention of closing the home.

The future was being looked into because there were only a few residents remaining at Spencer House and there had been problems in recent years with vandalism at the property.

She said the Liberal Democrat leaflet had frightened residents unnecessarily and had meant council officers having to go to the home and reassure residents.

Council leader Howard Briggs (Con, West Leigh) described the leaflet as the "most scurrilous piece of electioneering I have ever seen" and was deliberately exploiting elderly people.

However, Liberal Democrat group leader Graham Longley (Blenheim Park) claimed that the contents of the leaflet were true.

"It is quite clear from the minutes of the council committees when the issue has been discussed in private that an alternative use other than an old people's home is being considered for Spencer House.

"You do not want what you are considering using the building for to come out in public as there would be a riot."

Verina Weaver (Con, West Shoebury) commented: "This is scaremongering at its very worst and it has to be condemned."

Published Tuesday, April 29, 2003

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