CONTROVERSIAL changes to the care of disabled children have been postponed for three months.

A legal battle is underway between Blackburn with Darwen Council and a charity that currently runs its short breaks service.

The council no longer plans to use the KIDS charity to provide the breaks which give parents weekly respite from caring for their disabled children.

Town hall bosses say an in-house service would be more effective.

But KIDS - and a leading law firm that is launching similar challenges across the country - insists it should continue.

The judicial review was set to come to court last week, but the case was adjourned until the end of September, with the council agreeing to carry out a new consultation.

In the meantime, the service will continue.

Tanya Foster, one of the parents affected, cares for her son, Simon, who has severe learning difficulties. Every week he goes to kickboxing classes through the short breaks service.

Ms Foster, of Fielding Crescent, said: “It’s brilliant news.

"The service is very important to me. I have three other children and that two hours every week lets me spend time with them and he would take up all my time.”

The council insists the short break service can continue without KIDS.

Coun Andy Kay, its executive member for resources, said: "Our focus remains to make sure that the needs of children and their families are met and this time will be used well to work closely with them.”

KIDS chief executive Kevin Williams said: “This is a promising step on the part of the council.

"KIDS’ short break services in Blackburn with Darwen are making a tangible difference to the 21 children and families who benefit from them.

"We are naturally pleased at the news that the council will continue funding the service until September.”