THE head of a rural leisure centre has admitted that the term "Wacky House" was used to describe the address of some of its disabled clients, following an allegation made in last week's D&S Times.

Craigmore House in Barnard Castle, run by Christine Taylour, had been labelled with the term on Teesdale Sports Centre's computer database.

The allegation emerged only after a recent dispute regarding access to the pool which has led to clients going to Bishop Auckland for swimming sessions.

However, while admitting that the term "Wacky House" had been used about the home for young adults with learning difficulties, centre manager Paul Branch said that the incident occurred nearly two years ago.

"This totally unacceptable description of Craigmore was placed on a database by one individual," he said.

"When this was brought to the attention of the sports centre management team, a rigorous internal investigation was conducted.

"The person who was found responsible was subject to Teesdale District Council's internal procedures and the appropriate action was carried out. This person has since left employment with the authority."

Mr Branch said the actions of the former employee were deplored by other members of staff and in no way reflected the attitudes and cultures of the council.

However, Mrs Taylour has since told the D&S Times that although she received a verbal apology about the "Wacky House" incident, she had not received a written apology or an update on what had happened to the member of staff involved.

"To be fair to Paul, he was furious about the 'Wacky House' comment," she said. "And at that time he agreed to implement a staff training programme aimed at people with learning difficulties."

Mrs Taylour said although the member of staff involved had now left the sports centre, she understood he had done so of his own accord and had not been sacked.

"Discrimination is a big thing, and we all have to be accountable," she added. "If this had taken place in my organisation it would have been classed as gross misconduct, but I was never told how he was disciplined. We were never offered any kind of goodwill gesture as compensation.

"It has been pointed out to me by readers of last week's story that if the label had been directed at someone of a different culture, the outcome would have been much different," she said.