A COUNCIL is to begin formal consultations on the closure of three old people's homes, amid claims that councillors have already ditched 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.

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

The three closures being consulted on are the remnants of a first wave of closures begun in 2001, which were approved in principle.

But councillors insisted yesterday they intended to stop any homes being shut.

Labour group secretary Albert Nugent said 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 would reject the closures proposed in both phases and he urged that any decision be deferred.

Weardale Independent coun- cillor John Shuttleworth said: "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 said there was no need for it to run homes as there were enough private sector places and the money saved could help people to stay in their own homes.

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

* Councillors confirmed that a fourth home, Wellfield House at Murton, which has no residents at present, should close. It will consider what to do with day care services based there.