A CAMPAIGNER for a North Dorset day centre has spoken of her anger at plans for its future.

Wendy Webb is fighting for the future of the Blandford Day Centre for people with learning disabilities.

Her condemnation comes after plans from County Hall care chiefs to use the centre as an assembly point for community-based activities survived a challenge from an influential council committee.

"It's a poor decision and it's so desperately wrong. I'm absolutely appalled," said Mrs Webb.

Mrs Webb's brother, Paul Farrell, is a resident of the neighbouring Beeches residential home and uses the day centre every day.

"Paul has lived at the Beeches for three and a half years and is really happy there," said Mrs Webb.

Paul, 47, was born with Down's Syndrome and walks with a supportive aid.

But his sister fears for the effect on her brother if the fight to continue the use of the neighbouring activity centre is lost.

"The only time Paul will realise, and be greatly distressed, is when his daily routine is disrupted," said Mrs Webb.

She questioned plans to send Paul to community-based activities away from the Beeches.

"Where will he go? Who will be with him? Where will the liability stop when he is in the community?" asked Mrs Webb.

Good news came to campaigners for four day centres for elderly people after a council U-turn at a meeting on Wednesday.

The about-face showed the value of day centres had been recognised by the committee, said Mrs Webb.

"They were applauding the day centres for the elderly, but totally disregarded that these same needs are shared by vulnerable people with learning disabilities," said Mrs Webb.

"It smacks of an utter disregard for people with learning disabilities and discrimination in the extreme," she added.

Mrs Webb took issue with the council's belief that facilities at the day centre were out of date.

"The Blandford Day Centre has only been open for eight years.

"It's a safe, community environment where people interact," she said.

Now the campaigner is preparing herself for a meeting of the county council in less than a month's time.

"The real test will be the meeting on February 14, when the full council meet and the vote is taken," said Mrs Webb.