THE number of children’s centres in Bolton is set to be slashed by two thirds.

Cash-strapped Bolton Council currently runs children’s centres for vulnerable families out of 18 buildings across the borough but will look to reduce that number to just seven in a bid to save £1.5 million.

This means 13 of the buildings will no longer operate children’s centres, although two new centres will be created in existing community sites.

Under the plans, the buildings that will no longer run children’s centres are at Bright Meadows (Breightmet), Crompton, Bromley Cross, Harvey (Daubhill), though this will still deliver nursery and specialist services, Heaton and Lostock, Horwich, Hulton, Kearsley, Leverhulme, Little Lever, Lord Street and Grosvenor (Kearsley), Orchards (Farnworth) and Westhoughton.

The 18 buildings currently offer support and information for families with children aged five and under — including helping with health issues, access to employment and wider services and drop-in sessions for parents and children.

The proposals will see the merging of the authority’s Family Support, Early Years and Childcare and Children’s Centre services into a new, integrated ‘Start Well’ service.

New teams will operate from seven Start Well community hubs across the south, north and west areas of the borough.

The council plans to keep the remaining children’s centre buildings open for use by the wider community — but they will need to be managed by a school or third sector party, who could build on or expand the services offered.

Staff members affected by the proposals have been briefed and it is hoped that the majority of savings can be met through vacant posts, voluntary severance and voluntary early retirement — with bosses confident that no forced redundancies will be required.

The cabinet has signed off on the review and interested parties will now have until September 2 to have their say. Final proposals will be brought back before the cabinet in October.

The council has a duty to provide sufficient children’s centres and make services available that are aimed at helping families in most need.

Bosses believe these proposals are the only way of keeping some form of service going as it fights to slash £43 million from its budget by 2017 because of central government cuts.

Cabinet member for education, schools, safeguarding and looked after children, Cllr Ann Cunliffe, said: “Children’s centres have, for the past few years, provided vital services for our most disadvantaged residents and been a valuable asset to our communities.

“It is with much regret and with a heavy heart that we now have no choice but to reconsider the buildings we have and look at ways we can save money. That said, we are working more effectively with partners and this gives us the opportunity to merge services within the council as well as offer a holistic service with health professionals.

“It is important to stress that no buildings are ‘closing’, but in order to make the savings required we must seek alternative uses for them.

“There would still be essential services provided in areas that need them most and outreach work will continue with the most vulnerable families. It is essential that we remain committed to getting our youngsters school ready, and bringing together the right advice, support and professionals under one roof will help us achieve this.”

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Under the proposals, new Start Well hubs will be established at children’s centres including Great Lever; Tonge; Oldham’s; Oxford Grove and Alexandra.

Two additional hubs would be created at Winifred Kettle Centre, in Westhoughton and, subject to funding, at King Street Centre in Farnworth.

In addition, services at Bromley Cross and Horwich and Blackrod Library sites would continue to be delivered but at a reduced level.

Harvey Children’s Centre is proposed to continue to deliver nursery places and specialist services for vulnerable families.

Interested parties can have their say at www.bolton.gov.uk/childrenscentres and will have until September 2 to make their views known.

Final proposals will be brought back before The Cabinet in October.