A COUNCIL is to begin formal consultations on the closure of three old people's homes amid claims that councillors had already killed off the plan.

But the eight members of Durham County Council's cabinet agreed to begin the procedures - needed to comply with human rights legislation - at Lynwood House, Lanchester, East Green at West Auckland and Hackworth House, Shildon.

In February the cabinet was defeated by the Labour group backbenchers over proposals to close nine other homes, which would have ended all direct residential care provision by the council.

The three closures being consulted on are the remnants of a first wave of closures begun in 2001 and approved in principle. After the 23-22 group meeting vote the council said the decision applied only to the second wave of closures but councillors insisted yesterday they meant to stop any closures.

Labour group secretary Albert Nugent said that the group had voted "to reject all the proposals presented to us''.

Wingate councillor Len O'Donnell said: "I believe that this item should never have been brought to this meeting today. I believe the cabinet has no mandate to do it.''

He said the group had resolved to reject the closures proposed in both phases and he urged that any decision be deferred. Weardale Independent councillor John Shuttleworth said: "All of us in here have a duty to look after the elderly and the young. The way this has been conducted is a disgrace.

"Our homes are the best in the county and the staff are the best.''

Thornley councillor Morris Nicholls said he hoped the consultation would be carried out properly.

The council says there is no need for it to run homes as there are sufficient private sector places and that the money saved could help people continue living in their own homes.

Earlier this month Councillor Manton issued a "back me or sack me'' challenge to his colleague and said that if they re-elected him as leader in May homes closures would have to be looked at again.