A PLEA has been made to protect the future of a centre which offers support and help to young adults with learning difficulties and their families.

Grosvenor House, the former Moss Nook children's centre at Darcy Lever, has been criticised for failing to provide suitable services to patients.

In a report closure is strongly recommended, even though it has been open only two years.

But John Hartshorne, of Bolton Community Health Council, told the health liaison sub-committee yesterday: "I have heard on numerous occasions and from different people just how desperately needed this facility is.

"We have a responsibility to the people who use Grosvenor House to give them the care and support they need. I'm told some represent a danger to the community, so how can people talk about closing this place?"

Mike Ruane, Wigan and Bolton Health Commission chief executive, which commissioned the report, said: "There are a great deal of issues thrown up in this report.

"At this moment I have an open mind about the future of Grosvenor House and we need to look very closely at all the issues before any decisions are taken."

Steve Gallagher, social services director, said: "There are some significant criticisms of the service, but before we take any stand on its future we need to look at the options available to the health authority for these people."

"We have a significant amount of money tied up in Grosvenor House but we can not pre-empt any decisions which need to be taken. Our main concern is obviously for the people who use the facilities at Grosvenor House and their families," he added.

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