THE region's only privately-run child secure centre has been condemned in a Government report for "disruption and turbulence" which has dogged its first 20 months.

And now a representative of the probation officers' union Napo has called for Hassockfield Secure Training Centre near Consett, in County Durham to be closed down, along with similar centres across the country.

However, local police have stressed that the number of violent incidents has significantly declined in the past few months at the centre.

The Social Services Inspectorate report into Hassockfield, published yesterday, said teaching was unsatisfactory and some staff had difficulty keeping children under control.

Spitting, swearing and missiles being thrown were commonplace in the centre which was purpose built to hold up to 40 hardcore offenders, aged 12 to 17.

The report noted that the centre's former director left without notice earlier this year, and two assistant directors also resigned and recommended experienced staff be appointed. But the inspectors also praised the dedication of current staff and said there had been some "significant improvement" recently.

The inspectors said: "The centre has experienced disruption and turbulence throughout its life and events since the last inspection have been no different."

Napo spokesman Harry Fletcher said: "Putting 40 vulnerable and disruptive persistent young offenders in the same place was bound to fail. These centres should be shut down."

Leading councillor at Derwentside District Council, Eric Turner, said he had been against the centre being built from the beginning. He said: "Our worst fears seem to have come into fruition."

Chief superintendent and divisional commander at Derwentside police, Eric Irwin, said the situation had improved since a new management team took over earlier this year.

He said: "It's true to say we were regularly getting called to the centre in the early days often in response to allegations of assault and criminal damage. But things have very much improved from our point of view in recent times."

A spokesman for Premier Prisons, which runs the home said: "It is too early to digest all the contents."