FAMILIES and carers fighting to save seven residential homes in County Durham have urged people to have their say before a council consultation closes today.

Durham County Council has been consulting on closing seven homes for three months.

Anti-closure campaigners said they would keep battling after today’s deadline, but urged anyone who has not formally responded to do so.

Last night, David Dutch, whose mother Margaret lives in closure-threatened Shafto House, Newton Aycliffe, said: “The consultation may be coming to an end but our campaign will go on and on until they drag us kicking and screaming out of Shafto House. They don’t need to close it down. I’m convinced it will shorten my mother’s life.”

Meanwhile, members of Glendale Action Group, set up to save Glendale House, in Blackhall, presented a 3,000- name petition to County Hall.

Chairwoman Margaret Newlove said: “It would be totally wrong if this home was closed. People feel as though it’s the heart of the community.

It should never have even been in the equation. It’s a newish home and it needs very little doing to it.”

Carole Wood, daughter of the late former council leader Albert Nugent, called on Labour councillors to search their conscience and save the homes, as her father did in 2006.

A Save Our Homes in County Durham group on social networking website Facebook has attracted 260 members.

Durham County Council says its homes are more expensive to run than the private sector, have more empty beds and would cost millions to bring up to standard.

Nick Whitton, head of commissioning for adults, wellbeing and health at the council, said: “We would like to thank everyone who has taken part in the consultation for their contributions.

“Officers are now in the process of considering the information we have gathered and will be preparing a report for members.”

As well as Glendale House and Shafto House, the council is consulting on closing: Hackworth House, in Shildon; Manor House, in Annfield Plain; Lynwood House, in Lanchester; Stanfield House, in Stanley; and East Green, in West Auckland.

Councillors are expected to decide whether to close the homes in July.