RESIDENTS gathered for a public meeting last night to discuss proposals to close the only council-run care home in their community.

Shafto House, in Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, is one of seven care homes being considered for closure by Durham County Council in a bid to save money.

Labour councillors Mike Dixon and Peter Brookes spoke for the council at the meeting, called by the Great Aycliffe Residents’ Association.

Both councillors insisted they were engaging in a meaningful consolation and denied allegations there had already been a Labour Party decision.

Councillor Brookes said the proposals were about getting the right mix of care provision in the county, which he said has too many care home beds.

He said: “The Government recently told all councils nationally that, of the total amount they spend on elderly people, a third should be spent on residential care.

“The reality is that we are spending two thirds of our budget and that is something that we have to look at.”

Coun Brookes said the cost of bringing council care homes up to standard was too much and it was “cheaper to rebuild” to meet future needs.

Yvonne Hossack, a solicitor representing residents of some of the care homes, made a 250-mile round trip to the meeting in St Mary’s Church, Newton Aycliffe.

Mrs Hossack said the council was missing the point and the issue was not about future residents but what will happen to the current ones.

“There are lives at risk,”

said Mrs Hossack. “It can cause strokes and it can cause heart attacks when people are moved from their home under trauma and this is an involuntary transfer.”

Many people at the meeting had family in Shafto House and were concerned the proposal was a “done deal”.

One woman said her mother chose Shafto House when she was 90 and was traumatised when she spent two nights away from it.

She said: “I don’t know what is going to happen when she finds out we are going to move her.”

Another praised staff at Shafto House and questioned why council care homes are more costly than independent ones.

“Is it not because the carers are better trained and better qualified and they deserve to be better paid?”

And a man questioned the council’s motives for the consultation.

“They are just asking questions to get the answers they want,” he said.

Hackworth House, in Shildon; Glendale House, in Blackhall; Manor House, in Annfield Plain; Stanfield House, in Stanley; Lynwood House, in Lanchester; and East Green, in West Auckland are also being considered for closure.

A public meeting to discuss proposals will be held in St Andrew’s Church, Blackhall Colliery, at 5pm, today.