JOBS and services at a nursing home are to be axed - but social services chiefs insist it is for the benefit of local pensioners.

Council bosses have decided to scrap intermediate care at Thicketford House in Tonge Moor and transform it into an Active Ageing Centre.

Currently, Thicketford House is used as respite care for the elderly, giving their families and carers a break, or as a halfway house between hospital and home for pensioners recovering from an illness. It also provides some day services.

However, from the summer it will be transformed into a day centre only, which aims to provide help and support for people in their own homes.

Discussions with staff at Thicketford House are ongoing, but council bosses insist there will be no compulsory redundancies and that workers are being redeployed and leaving of their own accord.

It is thought a final decision on staff will be made next week.

Natalie Mills, of Unison, said: "This is an extremely anxious time for staff, who are already doing a difficult job.

"Even if they are redeployed many of them have worked at Thicketford House for years and anything else would be second best for them."

The centre is being developed under the Government's Sure Start for Later Life scheme.

It will include an information point, a drop-in centre, healthy living and exercise classes, walks, day care, leisure and learning classes. It will also give local people their chance to have their say on local issues.

Respite and intermediate care beds will be provided at other centres.

Cllr Margaret Clare, executive member for adult services, said: "As a former nurse, I know how important it is to help older people to live independent, active and fulfilling lives while promoting a healthy retirement and getting them out of their homes and mixing with other people.

"Active Ageing Centres are there to encourage senior citizens to get out and get involved. The users will have a real voice in saying what is provided at the centre and how the facilities will be delivered.

"The knowledge and commitment of the older people who live in these areas will be vital to the success of the centre."