Children's centres could close to save cash

Children's centres for under-fives could be closed as the borough looks to make savings following the scrapping of Sure Start grants.

The Royal Borough launched a consultation today asking parents, staff and carers how it can improve the service - but at a lower cost.

Some of the potential options include merging two or three centres, getting volunteers to run centres, charging for some services, reducing funding and allowing other community groups to use facilities.

The borough has nine Sure Start children’s centres providing free activities and services on about 13 sites.

More than 2,000 consultation forms are being sent to children's centres.

It is also available online at www.rbwm.gov.uk/web/ed_consultations.htm