A SERVICE to support people affected by Alzheimer's Disease is to be scaled down in Darlington, after a crucial funding source was lost.

Three carers from the Alzheimer's Society, in Darlington, will lose their jobs on Friday, after a three-year grant to support the office ran out.

However, charity officials have stressed that the office, in North Road, will remain open, and that help will still be available to any sufferers or their families.

Yesterday, people across the town said they were disappointed by the news.

The charity's care workers have supported Edna Phillips and her husband, Frederick, an Alzheimer's sufferer, for several years. Mrs Phillips said she would be lost without the assistance she received.

"Without the carers, I often think I wouldn't be here. They have given so much support to my husband and myself whenever we needed it," she said.

"One of the carers came round to see me during a snow storm in the middle of the night once. She didn't need to, and she certainly does a lot more than just a job. They're absolute angels.

"I know the office is going to remain open, but when you are affected by a disease like Alzheimer's you need support round-the-clock. I don't know how myself and people like me, whose family don't live near, will manage without that kind of support."

A care worker who has been associated with the branch for many years - who asked not to be named - said everyone was devastated by the news.

"It's a tragedy for a lot of people," she said.

"The staff have built up a strong relationship with the people they visit, which is vitally important in this kind of work, and they know they can call at any time of day or night and someone will visit.

"While it is stressed that the branch will remain open, there will be no care workers working from there. There will be no one on hand to provide the day-to-day support that people really need."

A spokeswoman from the Alzheimer's Society said people who use the service should not be alarmed, and that care and support would continue.

"We have a detailed plan in place for continued support, with help from neighbouring branches, and have a firm commitment to continuing the service we provide," she said.