Nuneaton children centre saved - at the expense of another

[dutchman]

Closures have prompted a huge public outcry



An under-threat cherished children centre in Nuneaton has been saved – but at the expense of another.

It has been revealed that Riverley Children’s Centre, which was at risk of the axe, could now be saved and transformed into a ‘children and family centre.’

But the U-turn from Warwickshire County Council looks set to be at the expense of Abbey Children’s Centre, which will become an ‘outreach site’.

The change of heart follows the public consultation into the controversial plans to shake-up children’s services.

Initially Bedworth Heath, Bulkington, Ladybrook, Park Lane, Rainbow, and Riversley children’s centre were due to go with Camp Hill, St Michael’s in Bedworth, Stockingford and Abbey children’s centres set to be retained as ‘family hubs’.

This prompted a huge public outcry and angry mums, dads and carers launched a 'Save our Children's Centres' campaign in Nuneaton, collecting thousands of signatures on a petition. Five other petitions were also handed in as part of the county-wide consultation.

But now, according to a new report, Riversley will become a family hub instead of Abbey children’s centre.

After a delay, members of the county council’s children and young people overview and scrutiny committee are due to discuss the report, the findings of the consultation and the latest plan of action at a meeting on Tuesday ( November 7).

But opposing Labour councillors want the changes to be put on hold and for a special meeting to be held to put forward their plan to save all of the children's centres.

County councillor Richard Chattaway, leader of the Labour group, explained: “Having listened to the representations from children’s centre across the county council area, I have written to the chair of the county council to request a special meeting at the council with a review to reverse the cut.”