WE recently visited my aunt who is a resident at Shafto House, Newton Aycliffe – one of the seven County Durham care homes under threat of closure – and were most impressed with the standards there.

Having previously visited many care homes up and down the UK, both council-funded and privately-funded, we felt the standards at Shafto House far outweighed any other care home we have seen.

The atmosphere, the staff, food, decor and care and contentment of the residents is a joy to see.

In fact, should the need ever arise in the future, we would definitely choose Shafto House to be our home.

The residents there have chosen Shafto House as their home and they have feelings, opinions and hopes. They are not inanimate objects – they are human beings.

We suggest that Durham county councillors should sit down and think how they would feel if someone wanted to move them out of their homes – just like a piece of old furniture.

Come on, councillors, have some care and compassion for these people who have worked and paid their taxes while many have served their King/Queen and country. Let them be happy in their home for the twilight years of their lives.

Jim and Marian Whiston, Eaglescliffe, Stockton.

WELL done, Durham County Council. What a great idea to consider closing old people’s homes (Echo, Jan 21). It’s just the thing to worry the life out of them.

And the proposed consultations will no doubt be as relevant as those about moving the statues in Durham Market Place despite 6,000 petition signatures.

Kelvin Guyett, Crook, Co Durham.