CARERS and relatives will stage a second protest against closing care homes later this week (Wednesday, December 4).

Care home staff will join people with loved ones in the five closure-threatened Durham County Council facilities for a rally outside Durham’s County Hall ahead of a full council meeting on Wednesday morning.

Howard Pink, regional organiser for the Unison union, said it wanted to “keep up the pressure on councillors to put care and compassion before simple financial considerations”.

The council is consulting on three options for the future of five homes: repair, privatisation and closure.

The homes affected are: Cheveley House, Belmont; Feryemount, Ferryhill; Grampian House, Peterlee; Mendip House, Chester-le-Street; and Newtown House, Stanhope.

They are home to 49 people and staffed by 174 workers.

A first protest was staged ahead of October’s full council meeting.

Council chiefs say they are facing unprecedented spending cuts and all services must be reviewed, but the consultation will take into account all views.

Consultation runs until January 19. To take part, call 03000-265-680, write to the council at Room 2/108-111, County Hall, Durham, DH1 5UG or email residentialcarehomesconsultation@durham.gov.uk