A shake-up of council services in Darlington is likely to be approved next week.

A children's services department is to be created within the borough council and the education unit and youth element of social services are to be scrapped.

The changes, revealed in The Northern Echo last week, are in response to Lord Laming's report into the Victoria Climbie scandal.

The move by council chiefs in Darlington is to combine matters of children's welfare in one department.

Hundreds of staff members may see their roles change. Consultations with employees and trade union representatives have begun.

A director of children's services will be appointed, as the number of directorates within the council drops from five to four. Social services director Margaret Asquith has indicated she would like the role and will be interviewed.

A cabinet member for children's services will also be appointed, to deal with the political side of the issue.

Adult services, consumer and environmental services and community and public protection portfolios will be created for councillors. The latter will include a focus on the problem of anti-social behaviour in the borough.

Officials are also planning to open talks with Darlington Primary Care Trust to consider how adult services should be delivered.

A report to councillors from chief executive Barry Keel says: "Continuation of these discussions could lead to joint or closer working which could be of benefit to our clients.

"Alternatively, adult services may sit better in the council but managed by another department."

The changes will be considered at a meeting on Tuesday.