I WAS at the well-attended meeting in Newton Aycliffe on Thursday evening last week to listen to the presentation given by representatives of Durham County Council over the issue of the future of the county’s care homes.

Having listened to all the speakers, it was impossible not to be affected by the passion and anger felt by the people of Newton Aycliffe over the potential closure of Shafto House. Speaker after speaker emphasised the quality of care being offered by the staff working at Shafto House and that is what the debate is about – care.

This is the third time that Shafto House has been threatened by the Labour administration in County Hall and this time the council has to show that it is listening to the people of Newton Aycliffe and any “consultation” process must fully address the understandable concerns of both the staff and in particular the residents.

Alan Thompson, Liberal Democrat Prospective Parliamentary Candidate, Sedgefield.