THE former leader of a council which is considering closing seven care homes has launched an attack on his successors, labelling them “scabs”.

Councillor Albert Nugent was speaking after Durham County Council’s ruling Labour group approved a confidential report proposing the authority consult on the possible closures at a behind-closed-doors meeting held at County Hall, Durham, yesterday.

Unconfirmed reports suggest only six councillors from the 67-strong group voted against the move.

Council leader Simon Henig last night declined to comment before proposals go before the authority’s executive cabinet next month.

But Coun Nugent said: “What they have agreed to do is to take us back to the Dark Ages. They’ve let the people down.

“I’d go as far as to say they’ve scabbed against their own kind – their own people. Working-class people have always stuck together.

“They’ve taken it on themselves to save money. But they’ve put the purse before the people.”

Coun Nugent seized the leadership of Durham County Council in May 2006 on a pledge to save the authority’s care homes, but was himself replaced by Coun Henig in May last year.

The former miner is now in illhealth, having suffered a stroke and a serious chest infection, which hospitalised him for three weeks. At one stage, doctors called his family, warning he might not survive the day.

He has since returned home, but is on oxygen 22 hours a day and ruled out challenging for the leadership again.

“I can’t do anything about it,”

he said.

“They’ve gone down the wrong road. I would say to them: think of the people, think of the people they are.”

The homes that could close are: Hackworth House, Shildon; East Green, West Auckland; Stanfield House, Stanley; Lynwood House, Lanchester; Glendale House, Blackhall; Manor House, Annfield Plain; and Shafto House, Newton Aycliffe.

In a statement, Durham County Council said the condition of these homes meant they were no longer fit for purpose.

Rachael Shimmin, the council’s corporate director of adults, wellbeing and health, said the cabinet would consider a report recommending consultation with service users, carers, staff and stakeholders.

Such a consultation could last several months, with final decisions on closures taken early next summer.

■ Will you or your family be affected if the care homes are closed? Call our reporters on 0191-384-4600.