FAMILIES devastated by a cash-strapped council’s decision to axe seven residential care homes are preparing to launch a challenge to block the closures.

Durham County Council’s executive cabinet agreed the closures yesterday as it was revealed the authority faces having to find £100m of savings over the next four years.

Council leader Simon Henig described the £35m bill to save the homes as disproportionate and unaffordable without decimating other council services.

However, solicitor Yvonne Hossack, who is representing some of the homes’ residents and their families, said the move could yet be challenged.

She is preparing to ask medical professionals to investigate the likely impact on her clients of moving them out of their homes.

If the experts conclude the disruption could endanger their lives, the council could be challenged to rethink, she said.

Yesterday’s council decision followed a three-month consultation, months of campaigning, petitions and emotional pleas for the residential facilities, which are home to 105 elderly people, to be saved.

But after 40 minutes of debate at Crook Civic Centre’s council chamber – and to cries of “shame on you” from the public gallery – the cabinet’s ten Labour members were unanimous.

Councillor Henig said: “I take no pleasure at all in the decision that now must be made. Like those who signed petitions, I am a believer in state-run facilities.

“However, I am also under no illusions that state-run facilities are also often more expensive for taxpayers.

“Durham taxpayers are currently paying out an extra £2m every year to allow 105 people the option of living in state-run facilities.

“The total cost of saving the homes over ten years would be between £250,000 and £300,000 for each care home resident.

“As a councillor with a fiduciary responsibility to every taxpayer in Durham, I must, with regret, accept the recommendations (for closure) made in the report.”

Councillor Morris Nicholls, cabinet member for adult services, said the decision had been a very difficult one that was not taken lightly.

“We are aware that this is an issue that has evoked strong reactions, but in deciding to approve the recommendations for closure, we had to take into account a wide range of factors, such as declining demand for residential care and the ongoing costs of maintaining the homes,” he said.

No dates have been set to close any of the homes. Coun Nicholls said officials would begin looking at how best to approach the closures, with the needs, comfort and safety of residents as the prime concern.

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

David Dutch, whose 93-year-old mother, Margaret, lives in Shafto House, said: “It’s diabolical. The council has ignored public opinion to keep the homes open.

This is pounds for lives.”

Ann Dryden, whose 92-year-old mother Emmeline Dunn, a former Aycliffe Angel, also lives in Shafto House, said: “I’m devastated. The most vulnerable people are having to pay the price for the country being in debt.”

Carole Wood, whose late father Albert Nugent saved the homes when he was council leader in 2006, said: “It’s despicable.

Every cabinet member should hang their head in shame.”

Long-term residential care will continue at Newton House, in Stanhope.

Grampian House, in Peterlee, will offer intermediate care and a new short term care role will be explored for Cheveley House, in Belmont, Mendip House, in Chester-le-Street, and Feryemount House, in Ferryhill.