Denise Ashton and Jean Smith say their disabled daughters, Dawn and Joanne, are being "chucked out" of Whitegate Resource Centre.

Dawn Ashton, 40, who suffers from cerebral palsy, and Joanne Smith, 38, who has been diagnosed with spina bifida, spend two to three days a week at the facility on Whitegate Drive.

For around 20 years, Dawn and Joanne have enjoyed going to the day centre for lunch and to take part in craft and pottery sessions – giving their mothers a much needed break.

Denise Ashton, 62, of Pierston Avenue, North Shore, said: "We are being chucked out of the centre. None of the clients have anywhere to go.

"They had a kitchen, pottery room and craft room but it's going to be no more. It's somewhere for our daughters to go while we have a bit of respite – even if it's just time to do the household chores."

Instead of their daughters enjoying activities at the centre, Mrs Ashton and Mrs Smith say the council has offered for a carer to go to their houses.

But they say they want their daughters to meet friends.

She added: "They're taking their social life away. What about the friends she has made there? I'm battling for my daughter but for the others."

And Jean Smith, 72, of Devonshire Road, North Shore, added: "As much as we love them, we need that respite, especially as you get older. It's getting her out of the four walls, mixing with people."

Blackpool Council say Whitegate Resource Centre closes at the end of this month for refurbishment works and will re-open in spring 2009 as a Centre for Independent Living for people with disabilities.

Jennifer Jaynes, assistant director of integrated care services, admitted there would no longer be any structured day care at the centre.

She said: "Many of the people using the centre currently enjoy taking part in activity groups. We are endeavouring to ensure that people will still have access to these groups but they will be delivered to them within the local community rather than at the resource centre.

"When re-opened the centre will provide a hub for people with disabilities where they can have access to a wide range of health, social care and information services and where they can meet in a social environment. The difference will be that there will be no structured day care.

"For people who require a high level of care, the council will be making provision available that will ensure that this care is provided and their needs met."