A COMMUNITY services manager has countered claims criticising the care her group provides for people with learning disabilities in York.

A Salvation Army spokesman responded to criticisms made by charity Vision Of Life in the Evening Press, which claimed that the Salvation Army-run York Advocacy service could not deal with demands.

Salvation Army community services manager, Susan Broster, said: "York Advocacy would like to alleviate any suggestion that the 'scheme cannot cope'."

She said the project had undergone a review by the local authority, as well as an independent review by the learning disabilities National Development Team

This was commissioned in conjunction with the local authority review to investigate the issue of the advocacy service.

Mrs Broster said the outcome of both reviews was positive and the service had been running successfully for six years.

She praised the impact made by the scheme's new advocacy co-ordinator, Peter Gladhill, who was appointed last year.

Mrs Broster acknowledged efforts made by the council to improve services for people with learning disabilities.

But she supported calls made by York People First for more support for people with severe disabilities.

She said: "York Advocacy welcomes the opportunity to be involved along with other services in looking at possible gaps in service provision. York Advocacy is aware of the ongoing need to review service provision for customers with learning disabilities."

Mrs Broster also highlighted the need for clients to communicate with service leaders.

She said: "Service users will also be given opportunity to raise with the council issues that they may have regarding services and future support."

Updated: 10:55 Saturday, February 15, 2003