FIVE Victim Support offices in the region will close as the charity restructures in a bid to save itself from financial difficulties.

The Trustees of Victim Support County Durham have decided to go ahead with the shake-up, despite concerns among volunteers and staff that the changes could affect services for victims and witnesses of crime.

The offices in Consett, Chester-le-Street, Peterlee, Darlington and Bishop Auckland will all close, and there are to be a small number of voluntary redundancies as a result.

However, Dr Glen Reynolds, spokesman for the charity, said that if a situation arises where compulsory redundancies need to made, they would hope to be able to re-employ people in alternative positions.

The charity was forced to make changes due to a reduction in its Home Office grant.

Based on the charity's current income and expenditure, it expects to have a £50,000 deficit at the end of this financial year. This is in addition to a £42,000 deficit at the end of last year.

Dr Reynolds said: "The proposals to restructure have been thrust upon us as the Home Office is effectively cutting the annual funding by £100,000 by 2007, which is one third of our core funding."

To claw some money back and make the charity financially viable, the trust has decided to have only two administrative bases - in Durham and Newton Aycliffe.

These bases will serve outreach workers in towns across the county, including those where offices are to close.

The cost-cutting changes will mean the charity can afford to employ two serious crime workers.

External funding will also be sought to pay for a criminal injuries officer, training officer and partnership worker, as well as for the outreach workers.

The charity is also seeking more volunteers.

For further information, call 0191-383 1389.