STAFF held an emotional meeting yesterday as the first of a care home's elderly residents was evacuated.

Earlier this week Durham County Council announced that Syke House, in Burnopfield, was to be temporarily closed because fire precautions were sub-standard.

The first of the 33 residents to leave was rehoused at 1pm yesterday, as the 50 staff attended a Unison and GMB union meeting.

Speaking on behalf of both unions, spokesman Paul Thompson said that a further meeting had been organised with senior council staff on Monday morning.

He said staff were unhappy that they had no involvement in the decision to close the home, and were concerned that families were being rushed into moving their loved ones.

He said: "It was a traumatic meeting, and the principal concern was the staff worries for the welfare of residents. We haven't seen any evidence that there was a need to do this."

A council spokesman said that a fire alarm and detection system at the home which previously met with the authority's standards now fell short.

He said the council would examine the future of the home in coming weeks.

He said: "There was no choice but to do this. We can't take a risk with peoples' lives. We have carried out improvements at Syke House, but our standards have increased."

Meanwhile, elderly residents at another home may also be evacuated. The county council has discovered that Essyn House, in Easington Village, has a faulty heating system.

Residents, families and staff were being consulted about the issue yesterday.