Stoneleigh support, Teesdale Mercury

Stoneleigh support

Jul 10, 2002

Firm Backing to prevent closure of Stoneleigh.



FIRM backing for the representations made by the relatives of Stoneleigh residents to prevent the residential home`s closure, came from Barnard Castle Town Council on Monday.

New councillor David Blackie`s motion was accepted that Teesdale Council be told by today (Wednesday) of this support. The council is also telling Durham County Council that it must use its best efforts to find residents alternative accommodation locally.

Coun Blackie said the matter was urgent because he had heard five residents were being moved out this week. The relatives` action group was looking to the town council for support.

Coun Barrie Eilbeck feared all representation was in vain because the county council was pressing ahead with closure in September. "They are not interested in these action groups, it¹s just being closed," he warned.

Coun Eric Fell said the replacement accommodation planned by county must be within Teesdale. "Otherwise we will end up with the highest percentage of elderly people in the county without any of the facilities," he said.

People are being urged to attend a public meeting at St Mary`s Parish Hall, Newgate, Barnard Castle, on Monday (July 15) at 7.30pm about Stoneleigh`s future.