Staffordshire children's centre wins a six-month stay of execution
A children's centre in Staffordshire has been granted a six-month reprieve after a campaign was launched against its closure. Protesters are celebrating the decision.
Boney Hay Children's Centre in Burntwood is one of 43 earmarked for closure by the county council in a move to save £3 million.
Plans are also in place for the town's Springhill Primary School to take over the running of Springhill Children's Centre. Further discussions will now take place.
Angry parents held demonstrations, started a petition and voiced their concerns on social media. Both centres have been granted a stay of execution. The county council has agreed to fund their running costs for a further six months while talks take place.
County councillor Sue Woodward, for Burntwood North, who asked county bosses to think again, said she was delighted.
Groups who have received notices to quit by the end of March will be asked if they are still interested in continuing to provide their service from the centres or helped with finding an alternative venue.
Councillor Woodward said: "I'm delighted that we are being allowed this breathing space while we negotiate to keep and develop further the services that were under threat. The county council has heard our message loud and clear and there is now a real commitment to find better ways forward.
"It's now up to us as a community to enhance these services which, frankly, have not been promoted as they should have been."
The county council has also agreed to explore the possibility of setting up a parental co-operative or social enterprise.
