Lancashire County Council wants old people to be cared for in their own homes rather than in council-run centres.

But residents' relatives claim forcing them to move will affect their health and breaches human rights legislation.

They have given the authority until 14 August to suspend their proposals before they seek a judicial review.

There is a statistically proven effect on mortality when residents are not moved with their carers and other residents

Solicitor Yvonne Hopsack

The Lancashire Care Homes Action Group said research showed old people were more likely to die soon after a forced move.

But the county council has rejected demands it move entire populations of homes to prevent this.

Action group solicitor Yvonne Hossack said this was the only way to prevent the mental and physical suffering old people endured with a move.

She said: "There is a statistically proven effect on mortality when residents are not moved with their carers and other residents."

Closures would "breach residents' human rights"

Action group chairman Andy Lee said people could become "virtual prisoners" if they were cared for in their own homes

He said: "If they are not very mobile, they will see a carer a few times a day but be unable to leave the house.

"That is not quality of life for anybody. At least in a residential home they have got social contact.

"One of the first things for bringing on dementia is social isolation."

Judicial review

But Councillor Chris Cheetham insisted legal action would only create "more doubt and uncertainty" for elderly people in council care.

"Allowing old people to live at home would improve the council's service while current residents would be allowed to move to new homes in family or friendship groups", he said.

The council's plan to cut residential placements in private care homes and restrict fee levels is already subject to a judicial review.