FIVE day centres across Dorset remain under threat despite a government windfall of £4 million to cash-strapped council care chiefs.

Placard-waving protesters on the steps of County Hall greeted senior officers and councillors at a media briefing to explain new opportunities presented by the funding increase.

Campaigners had hoped the extra cash in Dorset County Council's budget would mean a stay of execution for their valued care facilities.

Savings of £600,000 a year are promised from the closure of five day centres, including facilities in Gillingham in North Dorset and Swanage.

But County Hall bosses backed the cuts, opting instead to put a lid on council tax increases, and to pump money into home care for the elderly.

The proposals were slammed by South Dorset MP Jim Knight.

Mr Knight said he had urged senior council officers to use the recent funding increase to continue service at the day centres while public need was assessed.

"I have encouraged them to use the excellent recent increase in central government funding to buy them time to keep the centres open while they properly consult on how to change services," said Mr Knight.

Gerry Norris, a campaigner for the Swanage day centre, unfurled a banner on the steps at County Hall.

Mrs Norris condemned the move to home care as an ethos that would benefit private care providers at the expense of those in need of care.

But council leader Angus Campbell said he would not dodge the issue of spare capacity in day care provision and backed the proposed closures.

"I think it would be a great dereliction of duty not to take it through the system," said Cllr Campbell.

Cllr David Crowhurst pledged more cash to help elderly people remain in their own homes.

"If additional funds are available, we would look at investing in home care.

"We have been criticised for not giving enough support to people in their own homes," he said.

The results of consultation with day centre users and their carers goes before an influential committee next Thursday.

The committee's recommendation will go forward to cabinet members.