A NORTH-EAST council which has scrapped controversial plans to shut nine care homes could face a fight over the future of another four homes earmarked for closure back in 2001.

Members of Durham County Council's cabinet will next week be recommended to launch a three-month consultation period about the possible closure of Hackworth House, in Shildon, East Green, in West Auckland and Lynwood House, in Lanchester.

A fourth, Wellfield House in Murton, is already only open for day care, and councillors will be asked to formally approve its closure.

The homes were originally identified in 2001 when the council decided to move away from institutionalised residential homes and build six extra care developments.

Hackworth House, East Green, Lynwood House and Wellfield House were among 12 homes earmarked at that time but have remained open.

Last month, the cabinet was forced into an embarrassing climbdown when the council's controlling Labour group defeated a move to close nine other homes across Durham.

On Thursday morning, the cabinet will hear the four homes have a capacity of 156 beds but currently have 71 residents.

Acting director of social care and health, Debbie Jones, will say in a report that the homes need essential repairs likely to cost £1.25m and it will cost about £12.4m to bring them to national standards.