Leading Conservative Councillors have this week pledged to fight proposals by the Labour controlled City Council to close 6 Children’s Centres across Coventry.
The plans, which were discussed behind closed doors by Labour Councillors, would see Children’s Centres in Cheylesmore, Coundon, Earlsdon, Finham, Whoberley & Wyken closed as part of a plan to save £200k from the Council Budget.
Earlier this year Conservative Councillors made an £800K pledge to protect funding for Sure Start services as part their Alternative Budget. This pledge was opposed by Labour members who instead decided to make the cuts which are behind the proposal to close 6 Children’s Centres.
Leading Conservative Councillors are pledging to work with the communities they serve to oppose the closure of Children’s Centres, which they believe provide a vital service for local Parents.
Cllr Allan Andrews (Earlsdon), said: “Over 200 families use the Earlsdon Children’s Centre and to justify its closure on the basis of it being a ‘wealthy’ community is hugely disappointing. Earlier this year I voted to protect funding and believed we had cross-party support on this issue, as local Labour candidates were also stating at election time that they wanted to save Children’s Centres. I will be putting the interests of the community I represent first and will be campaigning against this and other closures in the city.”
Cllr Hazel Noonan (Cheylesmore) said: “I was very disappointed to discover the proposal to close Cheylesmore Children’s Centre. Earlier this year I voted to protect funding for Sure Start as I feared that the cuts, backed by Labour Councillors, could lead to Children’s Centres closing. The financial saving made by closing this centre will be tiny compared to the impact of losing this service. I will be campaigning to get the Council to think again about this proposal and keep Cheylesmore Children’s Centre open.”