YESTERDAY, the Durham County Council cabinet made the decision to close its remaining residential homes.

Its own values and vision document, The Council Plan 2013- 17, places great store in phrases such as neighbourhood, sustaining rural communities, putting the customer at the heart of everything we do, understanding the needs of our customers and allowing them to have their say at shaping their services.

The plan “recognises the damaging effects of rural deprivation and inequality which need different levels and types of support and solutions tailored and appropriate to local needs”.

If ever there was an opportunity to demonstrate these values it was in the decision over Newtown House, in Weardale.

Summing up, Councillor Simon Henig reported that other councils had disposed of their residential care homes and it was evident that Durham had decided some months ago to follow suit. The consultation, in which over 600 Weardale residents presented written arguments, was merely a statutory obligation, and yesterday’s cabinet meeting just had to be toughed out.

The motion to close the homes was carried without any further debate. It had nothing to do with valuing people or communities, listening, consulting, finding tailored solutions or local needs. It was all about money. It was shameful and shaming.

David Heatherington, Westgate in Weardale.