A COUNCIL has been urged to plough any funds from the sale of its remaining care homes back into local communities.

Michelle Robson, who joined her father-in-law Don in a sit-in protest at the last care facility to close, Newtown House, in Stanhope, said the surrounding area of Weardale was like a “severed artery” as far as Durham County Council was concerned.

The council formally advertised the residential home for sale at the end of last month along with four others now empty: Mendip House, Chester-le-Street; Cheveley House, Belmont; Feryemount House, Ferryhill and Grampian House, Peterlee.

It has not placed a guide price on the homes which are being marketed with a range of uses.

Mrs Robson, from Ireshopeburn, said she wished to see Newtown House become a private care home as it was a facility “so much needed”.

Ten per cent of Weardale’s population is aged over 75.

Meanwhile, Durham People’s Assembly, an organisation campaigning against austerity cuts said the council must invest proceeds from the care home sales responsibly and pointed out an acute need for social housing in the county.

Mrs Robson said: “In my opinion any receipts [from Newtown House] should be ploughed back into Weardale.

“We have a limited bus service, people don’t have the facility to have green bins emptied up here, we are like a severed artery and don’t feel part of the equation where the council is concerned.”

She said her 84-year-old father-in-law, who now lives with her and husband Steve, was “doing alright” after leaving Newtown House in September following his seven day .protest sit-in.

“He is out and about most days and is enjoying life. As long as he is warm and comfortable and can close his eyes when he wants to he is quite happy.”

The county council says Newtown House is available for residential redevelopment, subject to planning permission, as is Cheveley House, Feryemount and Grampian House.

Mendip House has been advertised as suitable for business, community facilities, recreational or residential use.

Gerard Darby, assets services manager at Durham County Council, said: “As there is an emphasis on the current planning use all relevant care providers will be notified and informed of the details of the sale, but other options will also be considered.”

Asked whether funds from the sale would be ring fenced to be spent on a specific area, a council spokeswoman said: “The receipts [will be] allocated in line with whatever the council’s spending priorities are at the time the funds are available.”