PLANS have been drawn up for a new short break care centre in Westhoughton to cater for young people with disabilities and their families.

A planning application is about to be submitted for permission to build the centre in Church Street, next to the new Gates school complex.

The proposal, for a modern four-bed unit with self-contained flat, is a joint initiative between Bolton Council's Social Services Department and the Primary Care Trust. If approved, it will receive £360,000 towards the capital costs from the Department of Health. The design team has been led by Portico Housing Association with input from parents and other interested parties.

They have planned a single-storey development for ease of access and to fit in with the locality. It will offer modern facilities and the support of an integrated team of social services and health staff.

Councillor Cliff Morris, Executive Member for Social Services, said that if it gets the go-ahead, the centre will replace current services based at Elizabeth Ashmore House on Chorley New Road.

"It is part of a strategy that includes a new six-bed unit which is being constructed on Avondale Road, Brownlow Fold and follows an increase in multi-agency working between Social Services and the Health Authority," he said.

The plan is for both centres to open in late 2003.