At present, around 520 people attend specialist centres run by the council.

But social work bosses want to shut centres at Hinshaw Street, Berryknowes and Summerston.

Centres at Riddrie, Carlton, The Wedge and Southbrae would remain for around 200 people with severe learning difficulties, many who also have physical disabilities.

But that would result in around 320 people no longer having access to day centres.

Instead, under the Scottish Government's new method of funding services, they will have budgets to buy a package of other activities best suited to their needs and interests.

David Williams, executive director of social work, said: "Learning disability policy and legislation have transformed over the past two decades, reflecting a vision that adults with learning disabilities should be enabled to live their lives according to their own potential, choices and aspirations."

Mr Williams said the average budget for people with learning difficulties will be almost £28,000, dependent on need.

He added: "If we don't free up the resources tied up in our day services, we cannot take forward personalisation. It is as simple as that. But there will not be a single person who leaves day services who hasn't been assessed."

However, the move to close the centres has infuriated carers. Carers champion Christopher Mason deman-ded councillors approach the Scottish Government for funding to ease the closure of the threatened centres.

He told members of the health and social care committee: "Scotland cannot continue to treat people with learning disabilities as outsiders in society."

Ian Hood, coordinator of Learning Disability Alliance Scotland, said the centres were "positive" for service users. He said: "Glasgow has a great record of providing services, why are they spoiling it now?"

vivienne.nicoll@eveningtimes.co.uk