Planning

In my view there is a need for a local specialist children’s facility.

However, I do not feel this particular one is sustainable by yet another private provider.

Some years ago a number local specialist care facilities for children were managed by Durham County Council to very high standards with highlyqualified employees, until the advent of care in the community when many care facilities for children were closed down.

Have we not learnt the lesson yet that private providers put a huge financial burden upon local authorities which will increase over time? This is money which belongs to the local people.

It may provide 50 new jobs but will these employees be fully qualified in child care?

Many more important questions and answers should have been addressed prior to agreeing planning permission for this facility.

P Ellerton, Low Coniscliffe, near Darlington.