A COUNCIL leader has raised concerns about proposals to close and merge children’s centres in Tendring.
Essex County Council, wants to merge the ABC Together Children’s Centre in Clacton with a centre in Walton as part of a scheme it hopes would save £2.5million. Holland Valley Children’s Centre would merge with St James Children’s Centre, Clacton, while Manningtree Children’s Centre would join up with a centre in Ramsey.
Tendring Council leader Peter Halliday - who quit his post on Friday - said he was worried the quality of care and education would reduce as a result of any changes. He said: “It is critical easy access to these valued services is maintained at all times.
“Any reduction in access is likely to have an impact on other service providers in the longer term.”
Mr Halliday said he wanted Tendring Council to help shape a radical new approach to youth services, to help maintain standards.
He called for a more strategic and co-ordinated approach to the consultations to protect vital aspects of the services for youngsters.
Other sites all across Essex would also be closed and combined as part of the plan.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here