A CHARITY has pulled out of providing services at a Hereford day centre for people with learning disabilities.

From May, Brandon Trust will withdraw its daytime services from the St Owen's Centre in Symonds Street, four months earlier than initially planned.

The charity is currently contracted by Herefordshire Council to provide the service.

A spokesman for Brandon Trust said: "We did not take this decision lightly, but have to regularly review all the services we provide to ensure that delivery is sustainable across all sixteen of the local authorities where we work.

"The services we provide in the county were previously run directly by the council. They are part of a wider range of daytime services available for people with learning disabilities across the county, provided by several independent organisations.

"We are working with the council to enable a smooth transition to new arrangements with other organisations and our priority is to minimise any possible impact on those accessing services."

A Herefordshire Council spokesman said there are no plans to close the centre following the decision by the trust.

They added: "The council is consulting with other potential providers to find the most appropriate arrangements for managing the service in the future, whilst seeking to avoid any change for those using it and their families.

"Although the timescales are challenging, the council will take all steps necessary to ensure the continuity of the service at St Owen’s Centre."