A SOLICITOR who has vowed to save an old peoples home in Brentford that the council this week decided to close, says that the lives of residents are being put at risk, and that she will take her battle to the High Court.

At this Tuesday's Executive meeting, councillors agreed to close John Aird House on Green Dragon Lane, and relocate all its residents.

But Campaigning Lawyer Yvonne Hossack, who was at the meeting, says the move would be deadly. She told the Times: The council's proposals are profoundly dangerous and will risk the lives of residents. There is a definite threat of fatalities.''

She revealed she was now representing some of the residents at the home and will go to the High Court where she expects a hearing in the next two or three weeks: I would urge relatives not to move their relations before the resolution of any legal proceedings, which will be quick.''

Mrs Hossack has many years experience as a campaigning lawyer. She formed the charity Elderly People in Crisis' after seeing the results of a residential home closing in Northamptonshire. 15 out of 41 ex-residents died within a year of relocation: I watched some of them fade away. There was one resident with learning difficulties who died within 5 weeks. The move was so traumatic it affected her ability to swallow, which can happen in these cases.''

Councillor Phil Andrews has joined the campaign to save John Aird House after being contacted by one of his constituents whose mother is in the home. He says he will be meeting with Mrs Hossack, residents and their relatives next week.

He told the Times: I feel it's fundamentally wrong to move vulnerable people like this, to subject them to this upheaval. I don't accept the arguments for closure that have been levelled, they are trifling.''

Councillor Lal, lead member for older people conceded there were risks when relocating elderly residents, but claimed that they were being kept to a minimum: There's a transport protocol that looks at every eventuality to minimise that risk. The move is going to be spread over 6 months. Nobody's rushing into anything.

The decision in principle has been given the go ahead. More consultation and assessment will now take place. Nobody's kept out of the loop. It has to be handled compassionately.''

Cllr Lal denied the decision was simply a question of saving money: It's not a budget cut. Nobody's taking money out of the pot.''

He felt confident the closure would go through: Quite clearly as councillors we are not qualified in the legal jargon. We have to take on board information from our officers and the Borough Solicitor, and we are in agreement with them and consequently feel we have a solid case.

She [Mrs Hossack] came there to steamroller the whole thing. I'd just like to see this resolved.''