RESOURCES for disabled people in Darlington were given a boost yesterday by the opening of a valuable facility.

A new resource centre for the Learning Disability Service has been opened at the former caretaker's house, in the grounds of the Arts Centre.

The borough council has carried out a £60,000 refurbishment of the building to provide meeting rooms, a drop-in centre and office accommodation.

Ramped access to the building, a decorative wooden balcony area and a kitchen designed for easy use by wheelchair users have also been added. Darlington Association on Disability advised the council throughout the project.

The centre will provide office space for "home leaders", who offer support to help people live independently.

The service is hoping to appoint part-time employees to run the facility and take bookings for the meeting rooms.

Bill Dixon, the council's cabinet member for social services said: "The centre is a much needed resource for people using the Learning Disability Service.

"There are five supported living houses in Darlington, each with residents who from time to time need help and advice from home leaders who are on call at the centre. People can also drop into the centre to have a chat and use the resources there."

The centre can be contacted on (01325) 388131.