Care home protests hit Durham county hall

May 13 2010 by Kerry Wood, The Journal

PASSIONATE campaigners determined to save their loved ones from the threat of losing their homes have voiced their protests outside a county hall.

Chants of “save our homes” rang out each time a member of Durham County Council’s cabinet filed into their headquarters yesterday, for their first meeting since the election.

Crowds of concerned care home staff and residents’ family members were outside the Durham city centre building, waving placards emblazoned with the clear message to stop any plans to shut seven of the council’s 12 homes for the elderly.

The lobby group has vowed to continue with their fight until d-day on July 21 when, following a consultation, councillors will vote on the controversial issue.

Those earmarked for closure are Hackworth House in Shildon, Stanfield House in Stanley, Lynwood House in Lanchester, Glendale House in Blackhall, Manor House in Annfield Plain, East Green in West Auckland and Shafto House in Newton Aycliffe.

Care bosses cite escalating repair costs and a decline in the demand for bed spaces as reasons for the move.

Despite fears of reprisal, care home staff stood shoulder-to-shoulder with the families in their fight to save the under threat council-run service from being axed.

One care assistant at Hackworth House, who didn’t want to be named said: “We are one of two homes with a three star standard and still they want to close us down. We were devastated when we first heard the news, devastated for our residents.