A council has dropped its threat of legal action over plans to close 32 care homes in Lancashire, because of mounting legal bills.

Ribble Valley Council had threatened Lancashire County Council with court action over its plan to close the care homes.

It wants elderly people to be looked after in their own homes rather than in local-authority run centres.

Three out of four other local authorities still fighting the controversial plans are also thought to be considering whether to continue the fight.

On balance we feel that we cannot risk quite a substantial legal bill being slammed onto the tax payers of Ribble Valley

Councillor Chris Holtom

The authorities were pressing for a judicial review of the decision.

They said it was taken without the consultation process taking enough account of their concerns.

The plans will mean only 16 council run care homes remain in Lancashire.

Residents' relatives say forcing them to move will affect their health and breaches human rights legislation.

Re-think urged

Councillor Chris Holtom, Ribble Valley leader, said: "It's been quite a bit of heart searching.

"We've been rock solid from day one, we've participated all the way.

"But on balance we feel that we cannot risk quite a substantial legal bill being slammed onto the tax payers of Ribble Valley."

Chris Cheetham, Lancashire County Council's cabinet member for social services, said he welcomed the news.

He added: "In light of this announcement that there is only a 50:50 chance of success, we urge the remaining borough councils to re-think and follow Ribble Valley's example."

But councillor John Wilson, leader of Chorley Council, has said it plans to continue its fight.

Wyre Council said they were reconsidering its options while Preston and Burnley Councils said they were still considering legal opinion.