THE axe looms larger over one of Southampton's oldest council-run homes after social services chiefs brought its closure a step nearer.

Yesterday, after a two-hour debate, members of the corporate social services committee voted for a controversial recommendation which paves the way for the closure of the much-loved Northlands House, pictured, in Bannister Park.

However the proposal - the latest cost-cutting move as the city council battles against a £22 million overspend - needed the casting vote of committee chairman Jacqui Rayment before it could be passed.

Ms Rayment, a Labour councillor, told the committee: "I struggled with my conscience when I took this problem on. You cannot prolong the agony, and I think it is agony.''

Knocking down Northlands and rehoming the 32 permanent residents across the city would save £120,000 a year on running costs by 2003/2004.

When closure was first mooted in 1999, elderly residents began a campaign to save it.

Residents, unions and opposition councillors spoke against the measure during the debate at the Civic Centre yesterday.

Suzanne Pavey, a member of the public sector union Unison, said: "Northlands is the only large home we have left in the central city. I don't believe the decision you have made in principle will give value to the old people in the city.''

Tory ward councillor Conor Burns said: "We have a duty of care to people who are in their home. There's an elderly lady of 84, her husband is 86 and he lives in Northlands.

"She has told me if he is moved he will be dead within six months.''

Before the closure can go ahead, consultation with the home's residents and their families must happen.