A CONSULTATION on closing specialist units at Powys primary schools closes this week.

Powys County Council intends closing its specialist Additional Learning Needs (ALN) units and four pre school assessment centres, based in 18 primary schools, from this September.

Pupils, with learning difficulties including autism and dyslexia, would be taught in mainstream classes if the units, which house pupils for part of the school day, close.

Schools would be supported by 'area based' teams of specialist teachers and assistants.

The plans have been opposed by parents who have set up a campaign group, Hands Off Our Specialist Units Powys and also collected petitions.

Parents have claimed the council has misrepresented its current provision and failed to say how it would be improved if the units close.

The council has also been criticised for refusing to release vital information considered by the cabinet when proposing to close the units and re-organise ALN provision.

The consultation closes at 5pm on Monday, March 17 and details are available by http://www.powys.gov.uk/index.php?id=16906&L=0"target="_blank&quot">http://www.powys.gov.uk/index.php?id=16906&L=0"target="_blank">clicking here to visit the county council's website.