A PURPOSE-built centre in Bournemouth that cares for adults with mild to moderate learning disabilities is to close, just two years after being opened by Paralympic cyclist Darren Kenny.

The Finigan Centre – which is part of a complex in Alumhurst Road, West- bourne – has 20 beds with en-suite facilities and was designed to to assess, treat and rehabilitate those with challenging behaviour.

But now Primary Care Trusts have decided it does not fit in with the countywide programme to move people with learning disabilities out of hospital units.

The centre’s 35 staff were given the shock news on Friday. The Echo understands the trust has told them it cannot guarantee there will be no job losses.

John Morton, director of joint commissioning and partnerships at NHS Bournemouth and Poole, said: “The moving on from hospital project has already supported the move of around 135 people from NHS learning disability hospital units in Dorset into their own homes.

“There has been a review of the needs of the service users in the Finigan Centre, who will be moving into their own homes as part of this project.

“Both primary care trusts, social services and Dorset HealthCare Trust have been working with these service users and their families to ensure that plans are in place to support their move. This work will ensure that there is a co-ordinated approach, appropriate for their needs, with ongoing support in the community.”

The plan is that all service users will be gone from the centre in six months.

Alternative uses for the building will be considered over the next few months.

Dorset HealthCare will be working with staff to look at how service users can continue to benefit from their skills.

The centre, at the site of the old Herbert Day Hospital, is surrounded by a secure garden and was built to high standards.

It has three lounges, a dining room, two therapy kitchens and activity rooms with access to computers for its users.