PARENTS of disabled youngsters have hit out at their local authority after a play scheme was scrapped.

The Dash scheme, run by Darlington Action on Disability during the school holidays, was closed after it no longer received funding from the Children In Need charity.

Parents who claim the sessions were a lifeline are angry at the borough council for refusing to subsidise the scheme.

The authority is not keen on segregated play sessions and wants both disabled and able-bodied children to mix.

But Stella Bowden, whose 11-year-old daughter, Charlotte, has severe learning difficulties, said: "It was the only play scheme which catered specifically for the needs of physically and mentally disabled children, and parents knew their kids were safe and happy there.

"Now there is nothing. The council says the scheme is too expensive and that disabled and normal children should be integrated.

"But many severely disabled children cannot cope with noise or crowded situations. They become distressed, agitated and even aggressive.

"Putting them all together is not fair on anyone. Durham County Council funds disabled play scheme places - why can't Darlington?"

Councillor Bill Dixon, cabinet member for health and social services, said the Dash scheme had to change if it was to survive.

"There were real problems with Dash and we felt we could no longer continue to support it," he said. "We will run a scheme for these disabled children, but the scheme must be more relevant and robust, so that it is not just a gamble but based on a sound business plan."

Key partners are meeting Dash organisers on Friday to discuss the scheme's future.