A “DATED” care home - one of the oldest buildings on the Marine Estate - could be knocked to the ground and replaced in a major revamp.

Memory House, on Marine Parade in Leigh, caters for up to 35 residents and dates back to at least 1920.

However, with the building no longer up to scratch and “unable to maintain the high standards expected of it’s residents and operators”, plans to demolish the site have been brought forward.

A new care home, containing 50 rooms, would replace it if plans are approved.

Beth Hooper, councillor for the West Leigh ward, has been approached by residents who want to stop the demolition.

She said: “There is worry about over development and the negative environmental impact of demolition and construction of a much larger building, that fills the whole site.

“As well as plans to put in a large basement in an area suffering from ongoing ground movement.

“It’s also one of the first buildings on the Marine Estate so there is historical interest, and I’ve been contacted by residents with family members in there who are concerned about them moving.”

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However, Linda Catling, a resident of Marine Parade, believes the revamp will be more beneficial for those living at the site.

The 75-year-old from Leigh, said: “I think it would be a great idea to build a new home for the residents to have more up to date facilities.

“The old building takes so much upkeep they are constantly spending money on it. I think for the sake of the residents, in the long term, it will mean nicer rooms and better facilities and so will be better for the elderly.”

A spokesman from Runwood Homes, said: “The proposed redevelopment of Memory House has been under discussion for some time.

"As a leading care provider, Runwood Homes is committed to delivering the very best in care and providing the most desirable environments for our residents to call home.

"Memory House is an older style building, and the current facilities unfortunately do not meet the standards we strive towards, for our residents and requires substantial improvements.

"Any changes to the property will be executed with the upmost consideration to the local surroundings and we wish to assure the community that we genuinely want to respect the character of the area in the design of the building.”