TWO popular children’s centres could be closed the next round of Southend Council budget cuts.
If Tory councillors approve the cuts, Little Treasures, in Electric Avenue, Westcliff, and Cockleshells, based at the Adult Community College, in Ambleside Drive, Southend, will both close, saving £200,000.
The plan has been criticised by political opponents, who claim the closures would deprive the families of access to vital services provided under the Government’s Sure Start scheme.
Martin Terry, Independent councillor for Westborough ward, said: “This isn’t just about the money. It’s about the children. Last year, a lot of the cuts affected youth services. It just seems they keep targeting young people. It’s greatly disturbing.
“These children’s centres do a great job and I would prefer it if they could look somewhere else to find that money.”
His view was echoed by Kevin Robinson, who plans to stand in the ward for Labour at the next elections.
He said he was concerned about job losses and the impact on struggling families who relied on the centres for support.
He added: “Children’s centres like Little Treasures serve a vital function, especially in urban areas such as this, in Westborough. They provide a way of putting services for youngsters right among the people who actually use them.
“There is already a lack of community facilities in this areas and this closure if it goes ahead, it would affect families on a day-to day basis.”
However, Mark Flewitt, Tory councillor responsible for children and learning, stressed alternative provision would be made.
He said families using the centres would be encouraged to used other nearby centres, but was unable to suggest which ones.
He added: “It’s all too easy in an austerity cuts budget to overlook efficiencies and better, more effective organisation of our resources.
“We are still keeping our all important childcare services. If anyone can find £200,000, we might be able to do something other than this.”
The council’s budget for the coming year includes spending cuts totalling £12million, but earmarks money to peg council tax and parking charges at last year’s levels and to stabilise the cliffs.
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