Final bid to save children’s centres
A LAST gasp attempt is being made by campaigners to save underthreat children’s centres across Nuneaton and Bedworth – by pleading with all members of Warwickshire County Council.
Members of the Save our Children’s Centres campaign hope to force a change of heart during a special full council meeting at Shire Hall. Their aim is to urge councillors to make a U-turn on the decision to close the cherished centres across the county, including Abbey, Bedworth Heath, Bulkington, Ladybrook, Park Lane and Rainbow.
The decision was met with anger, not least because it came as they also voted to approve £900,000 in refurbishment costs for Shire Hall.
Mum Jess Tomlinson, who helped launch the campaign, said: “We need to persuade the county councillors to vote against the proposals.
“As a group we strongly oppose any cuts to children’s services because of the importance of dealing with any issues now and bettering the future for generations to come.”
She denied there was any ‘split’ in the campaign due to differences in the north and south of the county.
“What is important to us is making sure every child has the best start in life and grows up with real opportunities so we will continue this fight for as long as children’s services are under so much pressure,” she added.
It is opposing Labour councillors at Shire Hall who have demanded the special full council meeting following the decision made by the cabinet last week to forge ahead with the closures.
Councillor Richard Chattaway, leader of the Labour group, said: “We asked about using reserves to plug the gap but the leader of the administration said it would be like kicking a cat down the road. If they were cutting the money from the service, then using it to help children then I could understand but they aren’t.”
He concluded: “On the same day, they agreed to spend £900,000 on Shire Hall refurbishments.”
As previously reported, Riversley Park centre had been planned to be closed but, following a public consultation, it was saved – at the expense of Abbey children’s centre. This decision has prompted further outcry from the community.
Under the proposals, Camp Hill, St Michael’s in Bedworth, Stockingford and Riversley Park children’s centres are set to be retained as ‘family hubs’, while the others will be used as outreach sites.