THE future of a centre for people with learning disabilities in Newton Aycliffe is under review.

The Oaks Centre and its satellite unit, the Acorn Centre, provide day care services for about 100 people.

Durham County Council has set out proposals to improve the overall service, which could include the closure of the smaller Acorn Centre, currently housed in a former industrial unit.

A spokeswoman for the council said: "There are no plans to close the Oaks Centre - that is not in question at all.

"The position is that the lease on the satellite Acorn Centre is coming to an end and that is an appropriate time to review the service offered from that particular site."

She said: "We have some proposals for an improved service which would involve the Oaks and the Jubilee Centre, in Spennymoor.

"We are in the process of discussing that with the people who use the Acorn Centre, their carers and staff, and we want to work with them to provide an even better service."

A petition objecting to the move is circulating among residents in Newton Aycliffe.

One person who signed the petition said: "It seems a bit strange when Tony Blair is trying to get disabled people back to work that the council is closing this centre down."

Councillor Terry Hogan said he would be keeping a close eye on the situation, adding: "This may be in the best interests of the people there if the facilities are not up to standard."