A CENTRE for people with learning disabilities in Newton Aycliffe is to stay open for three extra months while its future is discussed.

Concern has been expressed about what will happen to users of the Acorn Centre, an occupational therapy unit on Newton Aycliffe Industrial Estate, if it closes.

The lease on the centre, which is a satellite of the larger Oaks Centre nearby, was due to expire at the end of this month.

The building is in a poor state of repair and there are proposals to transfer some elements to the Jubilee Centre in Spennymoor, eight miles away.

Some users may be able to attend the Aycliffe youth centre, and there is some extra capacity at the Oaks Centre. There are no plans for redundancies.

Since the proposals were announced, county councilors Bill Blenkinsopp and Terry Hogan have met users, their families and council officers.

In a joint statement, they said: "It was made clear to us at that meeting that the adults who use the unit wish to stay where they are, in order to maintain social and educational continuity.

"A strong argument was made to keep the facility in Newton Aycliffe and also, that it needs improved facilities."

The councillors also met social service chiefs, and as a result, the Acorn Centre lease has been extended by three months.

A strategy is to be prepared during the next six weeks to look at the best way to provide a secure future for the users, in consultation with families and centre managers.

Coun Blenkinsopp and Hogan said: "We assure the people of Newton Aycliffe that we will do everything in our power to make sure that priority is given to the needs and happiness of the people who use the centre."