A BATTLING Bromsgrove mum claims social services bosses are using "bully boy tactics" to force her to cope alone after she received "paper threats" to take her daughter away from her.

Karen Lane, whose ten-year-old daughter Karis has cerebral palsy and Turner's Syndrome, hurt her back earlier this month.

She cares for Karis at home after taking her out of the education system more than a year ago.

Worcestershire County Council said her needs could be met in mainstream education and refused to pay for a special residential school.

Karen's recent injury, which left her with a sciatic complaint, means she can't lift Karis and social services initially provided 24-hour help.

A week later they said Karen, who had been told to rest for several weeks by her doctor, was only entitled to two hours' help between 3pm and 9am.

After she complained, county chiefs said if she couldn't cope, then a section 20 order of the Children's Act 1989 could be granted which would mean Karis being cared for elsewhere.

Karen told the Advertiser this was a "paper threat" which translated means if she doesn't stop complaining Karis will be taken from her.

She added: "I can give Karis psychological and emotional support just not physical.

"Only Karis is suffering and it's not her fault there aren't the resources to help me. This is nothing but bully boy tactics."

A council spokesman said: "I can reassure Mrs Lane any offer of help from social services will have been made in good faith with the best interests of all parties in mind.

"The approach made by social services is not unusual in these circumstances and has been a proven benefit to many people."