A CONCERNED parent has urged senior council figures to protect an award scheme for teenagers and young adults.

A review of the Open Award Centre, in Darlington, which helps youngsters in the town taking part in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, is being undertaken as part of public spending cuts.

Lorraine Anderson, a parent of twins on the awards, has written to Darlington Borough Council’s chief executive Ada Burns to complain about the proposals. She has also passed on her objections to ward councillors.

The council said no decisions had yet been made on a review of the centre, but the authority hoped to be in a position to continue with the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.

Those youngsters already on the scheme have been assured they will be able to finish the courses in which they are taking part.

Ms Anderson said in her letter: “With so very few opportunities for young people within Darlington, the centre has had a positive impact on many over the years, including my twin daughters who have achieved the bronze award, completed their silver exhibition and were due to participate in the gold exhibition later this year.

“The centre is extremely well managed and a very positive environment for young people within Darlington.”

She argued that, if it was necessary, those taking part in the scheme could contribute to its running costs and that another venue could be found to reduce overheads.

The Open Award Centre is based in the Eastbourne Project Centre.

A council spokeswoman said: “Due to reductions in Government grant, a range of budget proposals are now published for public and staff consultation. These include a review of the service which currently runs the Duke of Edinburgh scheme.

“During this review process, a number of options are currently being explored which will help maintain the Duke of Edinburgh scheme, including whether or not individuals taking part in the scheme can contribute a subscription or fee towards the service, a subscription from schools or a change of venue.

“As yet, no decision has been made and our current intention is to continue with the scheme to completion at bronze, silver or gold medal for those young people already involved.”