First meeting to discusss proposed children’s centre changes

People can have their say on cost-cutting plans to centralise the district’s 23 centres into six main hubs and three linked sites, which would offer extra support in areas of high deprivation.

Some services would also be delivered in family homes and at community venues.

A meeting will be held at The Hut, Kershaw Avenue at Airedale Castleford this evening from 6pm until 7.30pm.

Additional meetings will take place at the same time throughout the rest of the month:

• Thursday, September 11 at De Lacy Primary School, Chequerfield Lane, Pontefract

• Tuesday, September 16 at Chesneys Centre, Regent Street, Featherstone

• Thursday, September 18 at Ossett Town Hall, Market Place, Ossett

• Tuesday, September 23 at The Grove, Stockingate, South Kirkby

• Wednesday, September 24 at Havercroft and Ryhill Sports and Youth Centre, Mulberry Ave, Havercroft, Ryhill

• Tuesday, September 30 at St Michael’s CE Academy, Flanshaw Lane, Wakefield

Coun Olivia Rowley, cabinet member for children and young people, said: “No decision has yet been made on children’s centres and we have already seen the strength of feeling people have for them.

“Although the proposal is to stop operating some children’s centres, it is not a proposal to stop offering the services they provide. We want to provide the services that families need in the most effective way in their own communities.

“I’d urge people to give us their views via the online survey or at an event so we can factor this into our final decision-making later in the year.”

A three month public consultation period began in July and will run until October 15.

People can also share their views online at www.wakefield.gov.uk/centresurvey