 Closure is planned for 32 homes run by the council |
A group which mounted a legal challenge over the care of the elderly in Lancashire has withdrawn from the fight. The Lancashire Care Association (LCA) says it now plans to build a "positive working relationship" with the county council.
Councillors agreed plans to shut 32 of the county's 48 council-run care homes at a meeting in September.
Chorley Council and a residents' group are continuing their legal challenges against the county council's plans.
Other councils involved were forced to withdraw a few months ago, due to mounting legal costs.
The LCA - which represents the private sector - was challenging fees and charges for elderly care at a judicial review set for next month.
'Best services'
It has announced it is not to continue with the legal battle, but hopes to work towards improving the care facilities for the elderly.
Frank Hessey, chairman of the Lancashire Care Association, said: "I am pleased that we have reached this agreement with the county council.
"It has been a difficult 12 months and hopefully both sides will have learnt from this."
The decision to close the 32 council-run homes has not been affected by the association's decision.
County Councillor Chris Cheetham said: "I hope that the LCA and county council can draw a line under the recent past and work jointly to develop the best possible services for the people of Lancashire."
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