VIDEO: Pensioners join protest against plans to redevelop De Lacy House site in Winterton

Protestors gathered at Winterton's De Lacy House care home ahead of a special council planning meeting to discuss a proposed £1.8 million care complex on the site.

North Lincolnshire Council's planning committee will determine plans to demolish the facility and build a 16-bungalow complex for elderly people in its place.

Councillors on the committee visited the site this morning, where they were met by around 40 objectors to the plan.

Those protesting included Jim Harding, chairman of the Winterton Senior Citizens' Forum.

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He said: "The turnout is wonderful and it just shows that the community really cares.

"De Lacy House is a sound structural building and has served the community of Winterton for 30 years with wonderful 24-hour care and respite facilities.

"We know De Lacy House needs a little bit more TLC and investment but with good management, it will be able to fulfil its full potential and serve the Winterton community for many years to come."

Nicki Mumby, chairman of the Winterton Disabled Club, said: "I am very pleased so many people of all age groups have turned up to support this campaign to save De Lacy House.

"I do believe that Winterton should have a proper care home for 24-hour care and other types of care as well.

"The complex which is proposed does not meet that kind of need.

"If you ask an elderly disabled person if they want to stay in their own homes, they would all say yes but there comes a point where it is no longer an option.

"Therefore, there should be a place to go where there is 24-hour care locally, to be near friends and family and lead as normal a life as they can."

Francesca Marritt, Winterton's town mayor, said she was pleased with the number of people protesting as the committee made its site visit.

She said: "We haven't found a single person who is happy with the proposals as they currently stand.

"And on that basis, we have to fight for our community to have the best possible provision."

North Lincolnshire Council argues the existing De Lacy House building is not well used, with one resident currently on site.

The planning committee will meet at the Civic Centre on Ashby Road, Scunthorpe, at 2pm this afternoon (Thursday, March 21).

Members of the public are welcome to attend.