PEOPLE living at a retirement home fear for their future after being told the property has no long-term prospects.

Bolton at Home has informed residents at Greenbank in Egerton Street, Farnworth, that, due to reduced funding and out-of-date equipment, the home will soon not be fit for purpose.

Staff at the home will be kept on until at least March next year and residents are being assisted with moving arrangements.

Residents will also be able to arrange individual meetings with Bolton at Home support officers to discuss their options.

But many who live there say they are unhappy at the thought of leaving their homes.

Anne Berry, aged 74, said: “I’ve had people coming crying to me at the prospect of moving.

“Some people here are in their 90s and they are not a position to move — they don’t want to go anywhere.”

Frank Holt, aged 88, added: “I feel very secure here and it would kill me if I had to move somewhere else.

“I would not feel as comfortable as I do here. This place is my life, my home.”

Raymond Shuck, a World War Two veteran, aged 92, said: “I’m very happy at Greenbank — my family live close to the home and I can’t imagine a life away from here.”

Bolton at Home, which runs the home, insisted the decision had been made because of low demand.

A Bolton at Home spokesman said: “We’ve met all the residents to explain these properties don’t have a long-term future as sheltered housing. This is due to very low demand, reduced grant funding, no lifts to first floor flats, and other sheltered homes nearby that meet the needs of customers in better ways.

“We’ll support each of them to find a suitable home in an area of their choice. We’ll also help with moving arrangements and costs.

“In the meantime, we’ll keep dedicated staff on site for our customers until at least March.

“We need time to review all options for the site and decide how these properties will be best used in the future.”