“I WILL never give up” is the vow of a man with learning difficulties as he makes a stand against the council that has threatened to cut his care package.

The 42-year-old Darlington man launched a campaign against the town’s council after being told he may no longer be eligible to receive support he depends upon on a daily basis.

Whilst living in supported accommodation, the vulnerable man is cared for by a team of three council workers.

The staff visit several times a day to help him with tasks including meal preparation, housework and finance management.

As part of his campaign to keep the workers he looks upon as his family, he has covered the windows of his home with hand-made signs declaring ‘We will fight to the end to save our staff’.

He has also written to the press and local politicians including MP Jenny Chapman.

The man, who wishes to remain anonymous, said: “I’ve been told that the staff from the council are going to be withdrawn and I will have to get someone privately or through an agency.

“It is upsetting and makes me angry. The council don’t realise what they’re doing to other people’s lives.

“I don’t want to be in this position. The council are just sat on their big, fat bums doing nothing while their workers are giving all their time to helping us.

“This has come out of the blue. We are like a little family and they’re breaking us up.

“Some people like change but I don’t. It is fear of the unknown and it takes me a long time to build relationships and trust.

“My doctor is worried that I’ll deteriorate and worries about the effect it will have on my mental health.

“I want to fight as much as I can and I want others to know what is going on, it is not fair.

“The council is not listening but I will never give in and I’ll keep fighting until they do.”

A Darlington Borough Council spokeswoman said: "Unfortunately, the Council will be reviewing the Supported Living Services as part of the budget review.

“A disability impact assessment will be carried out on each individual and all service users, their families and advocates views and needs will be taken into consideration before any decisions are made. "