DISABLED people using the Jubilee Centre in Bolton are angry at council plans to change its use.

The Darley Street centre in Halliwell has been used by disabled people as a social centre and meeting place since it opened in 1977.

Now social services propose to develop the council-owned building into an educational centre offering a range of courses as well as advice, information and drop-in sessions on subjects including employment opportunities.

But those people who already regularly use the centre feel their needs are being compromised by the changes.

A 43-year-old wheelchair user, from Farnworth, said: "I have been going to the Jubilee Centre almost every day since it opened and this is a tragedy.

"They have slowly transformed all the rooms we had into offices and now they want to get rid of our snooker table and games room. We will have nothing left and members are so unhappy about it.

"I'm lucky, I have a car and can get about, but others can't and that centre is their only escape from the house and provides them with a social life. They aren't throwing people out, but they are not encouraging people to stay either."

A council spokesman said: "Bolton Council has been looking at how to encourage more disabled people to use the Jubilee Centre.

"Our aim is to provide a service which introduces a variety of activities that will appeal to a wider age range.

"These will include college courses, an IT suite, a respite service for carers, drop in sessions such as employment opportunities, and an information desk enabling people to have access to a range of advice and guidance of interest to people with a disability.

"We have been meeting on a monthly basis with people who presently access the day service, and have continued to share our progress on changes being proposed."