Havant
Liberal Democrats

Children Centres Under Threat - Big Demonstrations on Budget Day

Monday 28 March 2011

Under proposals from Conservative-led Hampshire County Council the number of Children's Centres would be slashed. Those remaining would be passed to another organisation to manage. In Havant nine centres would be reduced to six.

At the Budget meeting County Councillor Ann Buckley spoke against the cuts and was critical of the consultation saying "The document is very difficult to follow and there was not even a meeting in the Bedhampton and Leigh Park area that I represent. The nearest meeting was held in Waterlooville at the Mill Hill Centre."

Tony Welch said "Ann was the only County Councillor that bothered to attend the consultation meeting. The Five Conservatives did not turn up. Following protest from parents all over Hampshire and the Liberal Democrat group the consultation has been extended. These centres are a vital service for families. The consultation has been rushed and so I am campaigning hard on this issue."