SOCIAL services chiefs are hoping new providers could help avoid delays in residential care following a spate of announced home closures.

While Darlington Borough Council is at the centre of a homes closure programme, Trees Park healthcare has announced the closure of three residential lodges in Middleton St George.

And the owners of Abbey Lodge, in Abbey Road, Darlington, have had planning permission granted to change the building from a residential home to a nursery.

These events led to fears expressed at yesterday's meeting of Darlington and Teesdale Community Health Council that there would be problems with lack of provision.

However, Colin Morris, the borough's director of social services, last night said: "It's unfortunate that the Trees Park situation has come at this juncture of the council's homes closure programme, because it does put extra pressure on the demand for places and it's a problem that we are still in the process of thinking through.

"But, we are confident that other new providers will come into the picture."