The future of Thame's old people's home, Meadowcroft, will be explained to residents and relatives at a special meeting on September 17.

Oxfordshire social services assistant director, Nick Welch, will present a timetable for planned changes at the home.

The meeting, which will be held at the home, has been welcomed by Diana Ludlow, chairman of the Friends of Meadowcroft and a member of both the town and Oxfordshire county councils.

Mrs Ludlow said: "People involved will be given the information they need and a timetable for change."

The 50-bed residential home must be redeveloped to conform to EU rules.

Mrs Ludlow added: "Meadowcroft will be a 60-bed home for both residential and nursing care.

"We hope to move people only once, rather than decanting them while a new home is built on the present site.

"But Meadowcroft is in relatively good order.

"Other homes in the county are in a worse state and must get priority."

Meadowcroft serves a large area round the town and parish councils want any development to be built within Thame.

**A sponsored 14-mile bike ride to raise money for Meadowcroft will take place on Sunday, September 2, organised by the Friends of Meadowcroft, the Two Brewers pub and Racquets fitness centre.