CONCERNS have been raised over the imminent closure of a centre which helps children with learning difficulties.The Specific Learning Centre, based at Cliff Lane Primary School, provides intensive literacy support for children with dyslexic tendencies.

CONCERNS have been raised over the imminent closure of a centre which helps children with learning difficulties.

The Specific Learning Centre, based at Cliff Lane Primary School, provides intensive literacy support for children with dyslexic tendencies.

Despite positive feedback from parents whose children learn there Suffolk County Council has ruled it should close.

The centre, which caters for children from all of the primary schools in the Holywells pyramid, gives children with learning difficulties, aged between seven and ten, an opportunity to continue in mainstream school but to have two days a week specialist care.

Bridgette Halsey has a seven-year-old son who has benefited from the centre.

She said: “My son Harvey was lucky enough to get a place there and he really likes school for the first time.

“He is dyslexic and struggles in main stream school.

“Why stop something that is really needed for our children and works?

“I would rather see the council cut down on some of their expenses than close the unit.”

Cliff Lane headteacher Owain Richards said although he understood the reasons why the council had opted to shut the centre, he was also “disappointed” at the decision.

A county council spokeswoman said: “We need to look at the whole county's provisions and not just Cliff Lane.

“While there were some children who really benefited from the centre some other children from outside the area were not getting the same help.

“What we're doing is looking at the whole county and putting forward suggestions on how to take it forward.”

Does your child benefit from the Specific Learning Centre in Cliff Lane? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk.