THE occupation of a soon-to-be closed council care home will continue indefinitely until a decision over its future is reversed, campaigners have said.

Michelle Robson began a peaceful protest at Newtown House, in Stanhope, County Durham, on Thursday, angered at the council’s treatment of her father-in-law, 83-year-old Don Robson.

Mr Robson, a former headteacher at Woodham Burn Junior School, in Newton Aycliffe, is the last remaining resident at the Durham County Council operated facility, which is closing because the authority says it is too expensive to run.

Mrs Robson, from Ireshopeburn, has been told they can remain until next Wednesday - when a party is being planned for the pensioner’s 84th birthday - and would then have to leave.

But she said they had no intention of going anywhere.

Mrs Robson said she would have mixed feelings at the party, adding: “I feel for all the people who have had to move miles away from loved ones.

“It is absolutely tragic and the end of an era in Weardale.

Asked about Mr Robson’s condition she said: “Physically he is very frail and also suffers from heart failure.

“Emotionally he is drained because there has been a lot going on with him the last couple of days, but he’s been enjoying the quiet today.”

She added: “We’ve had an awful lot of support for what we are doing, not just in Weardale, but throughout the North-East and nationwide.

“We would also like to thank the staff at Newtown House who have cared for Don and are continuing to support us.”

Mr Robson’s son Steve said: “It is a sad state of affairs that the council has chosen to close somewhere so perfect and which is still fit for purpose.

“The whole community is extremely aggrieved.”

Independent County Councillor John Shuttleworth, who visited Don Robson on Thursday night, said: “I wish I had thought of this myself, I would have brought my suitcase.

“The council will never be forgiven for what they have done.”

Durham County Council sanctioned the closure of its five remaining care homes in April and has said it is not possible in the current financial environment to continue to provide in-house residential care.

:: A candlelit vigil is being planned outside Newtown House on Sunday at 6.30pm. For more details e-mail kathrynewray@hotmail.com