RESIDENTS are seeking reassurances about the exact nature of a home being created in their neighbourhood.

Nearly 50 people signed a petition calling for more information, after plans were unveiled to create a supported tenancy home in a Darlington street.

There were concerns about who would be using the home and the effect it might have.

However, last night Darlington Borough Council reassured residents that the homes would only be used for people with learning disabilities, to provide them with independent living. A warden would be on site to provide assistance to the residents.

Residents of Windermere Court, in the Lascelles area, signed the petition after fears that the home could be used to house people with a history of drug use or violence, leading to disturbance and ultimately devaluing their properties.

They claimed the council had not properly consulted them over the proposals.

One resident, who did not wish to be named, said: "We don't know what type of person is coming to live here, there's a lot of children who live in the street.

"We don't know what special needs actually means.

"We haven't got anything against these people, these people have rights which we don't dispute, but we have rights as owners as well."

Last night, the council said the Windermere Court house was a supported tenancy scheme as part of the authority's project aimed at giving people with learning disabilities the same opportunities as everyone else.

A council spokeswoman said: "We have written to residents in Windermere Court and Smithfield Road, explaining what the property will be used for.

"The property is privately owned accommodation, owned by an accredited landlord.

"The people who will be living there have learning disabilities and have chosen this property to become their home, where they will be able to live independently, with support.

"There seems to be some confusion about what a learning disability is. To clarify, a learning disability is a condition that either prevents or hinders somebody from learning basic skills or acquiring information at the same rate as most people of the same age.

"Some of the conditions this can include, are Down's syndrome, autism and dyslexia."