Labour activist hits out at Durham Council over care home closures

Feb 23 2010 by Neil McKay, The Journal

A LABOUR party activist has hit out at fellow members who are planning to close seven residential care homes.

Parish councillor Kevin Leary, whose 94-year-old mother Jean will have to move from her residential home if Durham County Council presses ahead with its plans, says he will consider quitting the Labour Party if that happens.

Mrs Leary is a resident of Lynwood House in Lanchester, one of seven homes whose future the council is consulting over. Her son, 64, who lives in Lanchester and who is a member of the parish council there, said: “Durham County Council is a Labour controlled authority and the Labour Party has always tried to protect the most vulnerable in our society which includes the frail and the elderly who themselves have probably supported the values of the Labour movement.

“Nor must we forget the special staff who are dedicated to looking after elderly residents.

“The members of the council are elected by the people of Durham County, and it is the people who can de-select them in future elections if they persist in closing care homes.

“In the future some of their own family members may be in the same position as my mother and I urge them to reconsider.”

During a 12-week public consultation senior county council managers will attend a series of Area Action Partnership meetings. The meetings start at 5pm today at Blackhall Community Centre. Care home residents, family members and staff are invited to attend.

Durham County Council said the plans were in response to more elderly people choosing to remain at home rather than opting for costly residential care. As well as Lynwood House in Lanchester, closure is proposed for Manor House, Annfield Plain; Glendale House, Blackhall; Shafto House, Newton Aycliffe; Hackworth House, Shildon; Stanfield House, Stanley; and East Green, Bishop Auckland.

Following tonight’s consultation meeting, there will be events at the Randolph Centre in Evenwood and the Newton Hall Community Centre on March 10, West Cornforth on March 11 and Lanchester Endowed Parochial School on March 17.