'I warned of this' - Ashfield councillor slams plan to close three children's centres

Councillor Tom Hollis, who represents Sutton East on the council, says plans by the Tory-run authority to close three children's centres in our area is a “tragedy” for families who “rely” on the services.

It emerged last week that the council is planning to close three centres – formerly known as Sure Start Centres – in Mansfield, Ashfield and Broxtowe, including in Coun Hollis’ own ward.

But the councillor, who also represents Huthwaite on Ashfield District Council, says he “warned about” the authority’s plans to close children’s centres two years ago and feels the council has treated his area “appallingly” ever since.

He said: “I am angry that children’s services will no longer be based at the All Saint’s Centre. The county council has treated this centre appallingly over the years.

“Two years ago, I warned that they planned to strip children’s services at the centre. Now they will be given just 12 months’ notice and the services will end.

“This is a tragedy for the families who rely on the services provided at the centre.”

In a report published by the council’s Children and Young Persons committee, it says that Huthwaite is “not in an area of deprivation”, something Coun Hollis disputes as “misleading”.

“They are trying to justify their cuts by misleading residents", he said. “Huthwaite, like many areas in Ashfield suffers from huge levels of deprivation.

“Dedicated venues for children’s centres are vital. They are somewhere that vulnerable residents know where to go if they are in difficulty or need crucial advice.

“I am not about to stand back and let this happen without a fight. It’s vital that we do everything possible to save our services.”

The centres provide a broad range of services for new families, including breastfeeding support, parent and under-one groups, and perinatal mental health networks.

Conservative-controlled Nottinghamshire County Council says closing the three properties will save £84,500 a year, despite being adamant that no centres would close, as it looks to recover £1 million from the overall budget.

Councillor Philip Owen is chairman of the committee which is expected to approve the decision on Monday, February 10.

He said: “We need to deliver the best possible support to people that we can, while making the best use of our resources.

“Our priority is to give children the best start in life, not buildings.

“We need to deliver the right services at the right time, in the right place, to those that need them most.

“By adopting a targeted approach, which focuses on outcomes, I’m confident that we will be in a more sustainable position for the future.

“By ceasing to use under-used buildings and those that represent poor value for money, we can save funds and help to protect vital services.”

If approved, the children’s centres would no longer have a permanent base – instead moving services to peoples’ homes and community venues.