PARENTS have voiced their fears over the closure of a dyslexia unit.

The unit, based at Alderman Blaxill School, in Paxman Avenue, Colchester, is due to close, along with the school, in August 2014.

It is the only enhanced provision for children with the condition in north-east Essex.

It is thought parents will be forced to find alternative placements at over-subscribed special schools out of the area or enrol them at mainstream schools.

Essex County Council originally wanted to move the unit to St Helena School, in Sheepen Road, Colchester as part of a £130million overhaul of the town’s secondary education.

But in July the Government announced the funding scheme was to be scrapped.

Now council bosses have said there is not enough children in Colchester being diagnosed with the condition to justify the unit staying open.