CHANGE is being planned for a training centre that has helped more than 150 young people with learning difficulties and special needs in ten years.

Discussions are taking place between Redcar and Cleveland Council and parents, carers, young people and support networks who use the council's training base at The Paddock, in Kirkleatham Village.

The discussions involve a move to Upsall Hall in September to ensure the service, run in partnership with Redcar and Cleveland College, and which offers four-year placements, can continue.

At the moment, 14 young people, aged 19 to 26, attend five days a week, learning life skills, IT skills, woodwork and horticulture as well as completing the Duke of Edinburgh bronze award.

Project manager Linda Jenkins said: "We've got to move forward and keep helping these young people."

Councillor Valerie Halton, coalition cabinet member for social services, said: "New legislation has meant the facilities at The Paddock do not now comply with the Disabilities Discrimination Act.

"It has been a wonderful placement for these young people, but we are convinced the future will be brighter with the move to Upsall Hall and the nine young people who will transfer on September 1."