Politicians, residents and elderly people have joined forces to fight the closure of a old people's home.

Spencer Court in Woodstock has been earmarked for closure in 2004 as part of a re-organisation of residential care homes for elderly people in Oxfordshire.

The home houses 40 people, including three aged over 100. Residents say they do not want to be moved to newly-expanded homes in Witney, Oxford or Kidlington because they like Woodstock and want to live near family and friends.

Jean Armstrong, 80, who has lived in and around Woodstock all her life, and in Spencer Court for two years, said: "I do like it here although I'd like a larger room.

"I know everyone in Woodstock. My friends come in to visit me and we go out to the town. My daughter lives here."

Managers say the property, which is owned by Oxfordshire County Council and managed by The Orders of St John Care Trust, does not meet new Government regulations.

Many rooms are below regulation size and too small for a wheelchair.

Some residents are forced to share rooms with strangers and the building is out of date.

Patrick Leavey, general manager of the trust's 19 Oxfordshire homes, said: "We need time to work out the feasibility of a having a replacement home in Woodstock.