THE families, staff, friends and parish councillors fought hard to save the Newtown House Residential Home, in Weardale, from closure.

An unprecedented number of letters and an evidence-based report sent to Durham County Council set out why Newtown House was in a unique position and should remain open.

The public from Weardale who attended the meeting last week expected that the evidence they produced would be discussed and debated before the “vote” was taken.

This was not the case and we were left to wonder why. Isn’t this the democratic process?

Our questions, sent in advance, were answered with prepared statements but with no right to reply.

In spite of the overwhelming argument for keeping Newtown House open, the cabinet used a block vote to close all of the council’s homes with no consideration of local needs.

The “consultation” was a statutory duty, nothing more.

The time spent by those who campaigned so vigorously was wasted, as our evidence was ignored.

Councillors could have proposed an amendment to keep Newtown open but voted to cash in by closing all of their residential care homes.

They should hang their heads in shame and explain in person to each resident how they came to this decision.

Jean Heatherington, Westgate