Parents unite to fight children's centre threat

Worried parents have united to fight for the future of their children's centre after plans to cut funding were announced.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead is looking at closing centres or introducing fees, among other suggestions, to reduce the £1.4m annual cost of running its under-fives children's services.

About 800 children use Maidenhead's Sure Start centres, which employ 10 registered staff as well as dozens of session workers and volunteers.

Sarah Mills, 34, a spokesman for parents whose children attend sessions at Pinkneys Green Community Centre, in Blenheim Road, said she was 'extremely worried and saddened' by the announcement.

Cllr Eileen Quick, cabinet member for children's services, said the proposals did not mean the Royal Borough's 'under fives' would lose out.

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