CLOSURE of the hydrotherapy pool at Scorton hospital, near Richmond, will deal a devastating blow to disabled people across North Yorkshire, a charity worker has said.

Mrs Bridget Clelland, who runs the Open Doors charity at Barton, said at least two members of her group would suffer physically and emotionally from the decision by the Hospitaler Order of St John. The six-year-old son of one of her carers would also be denied vital therapy.

It was announced last month that acute services at the hospital were to close some time after August 1 to allow the order to concentrate on Alzheimer's patients and people with learning difficulties.

Among the casualties are the two operating theatres, St Bede's surgical ward and the physiotherapy department, which includes the pool.

"Many people with severe physical disabilities need their muscles stretching and the best way to do this is with heat and water, which is also very relaxing," said Mrs Clelland. "The facilities at Scorton are wonderful, the best in the area, and to have them withdrawn is going to be detrimental to so many people. I know of at least three, but there will be dozens across the region. The pool is used to capacity."

Mr Paul Curran, who attends Open Doors, has been having weekly hydrotherapy at the St John of God hospital for more than 20 years.

He suffers from Friedreich's Ataxia, which means he has to wear a body mould and leg moulds, as well as asthma and poor vision and hearing.

"Paul's muscles need to be stretched and he has gone to the pool every Thursday for more than 20 years," said Mrs Clelland. "Paul is a very intelligent young man. He passed three A-levels by dictation and won a place at Durham university, which he was unable to take up because of the amount of care he needs.

"His mother says that, as the week goes on after his hydrotherapy session, he becomes more curled up and the weekly session keeps him going."

Two cerebral palsy sufferers known to Mrs Clelland will also be denied important therapy when the pool closes.

Mr Bobby Tye, aged 29, of Romanby, near Northallerton, benefits from the relaxation, particularly for his weakened legs. Six-year-old Stanley Hyder, from Catterick, who suffers from the same disability, has also been a regular at the pool.

"There is a pool at Catterick Garrison but it is very small and the facilities are not as good as at Scorton. The facilities at Scorton were built by public subscription, with money raised by the public, who will no longer be able to use them."