PARENTS have spoken out against plans to close a centre that caters for adults with learning difficulties in Derwentside.

The Pontop Centre in Annfield Plain, near Stanley, is one of six facing closure to meet a Government order that people with learning difficulties should be better integrated into their own communities and have more opportunities, including the chance of employment.

The Labour-run Durham County Council says that statutory guidance based on a White Paper called Valueing People requires it to shut its larger day centres and plans to provide better services more locally.

But Jean Matthews, whose son Neil Armstrong, 34, attends the Pontop centre said: "I am very upset about this.

"We have had no information about what exactly is going to replace the service. I was promised transport to attend a meeting to find out more, but none arrived.

Mrs Matthews said: "When my son first left school he attended a small unit in Lanchester. Everyone knew them and they were integrated in the community.

"But then seven to eight years ago they decided to close the smaller units - this is yet another complete u-turn.

"The biggest fear is what exactly are they going to put in its place. I would agree to smaller units."

Zena Lister, whose daughter Marjorie, 46, attends the centre said: "I am very unhappy about it closing. My daughter is happy there and has friends at the centre." In Durham parents have vowed to fight the closure of the Durham Centre in Aykley Heads, regarded as the flagship of Durham County Care. It has been open since 1963

A county council spokesman said: "We are involved in lengthy consultations with parents and user groups.

"We are following Government recommendations and the end result will be highly enhanced services for people who use the centres which will provide them with a much more active role in their local communities.

"It will be a more individual based care which is really what these people deserve.

"Centres will not be closed until individual packages have been formulated for everyone."