Care home closures are considered

Councillors are to consider closing seven of County Durham's 12 local authority-run care homes.

Durham County Council said the move was in response to more elderly people choosing to remain at home rather than opting for costly residential care.

The homes are in Lanchester, Bishop Auckland, Stanley, Blackhall, Annfield Plain, Newton Aycliffe and Shildon.

If the plans are approved the council has promised full consultation involving staff and residents.

Smaller facilities

Morris Nicholls, the council's cabinet member for adult services, said: "An increasing number of older people are now choosing to remain in their own homes rather than move into residential care.

"This is reflected in a significant decrease in demand for residential places, with some local authority-run homes in the county operating at around 50% occupancy.

"It is extremely important that as a council we understand these changing trends and adapt our provision accordingly as part of our commitment to valuing all our residents.

"This could include offering a better standard of accommodation for those who choose to live in residential care and providing a different type of service for others."

In 2002 the council closed 12 care homes and created six smaller facilities which provided residential care.

In 2006 plans to close further homes were reversed after care workers, residents and relatives held protests.