Almost half of the city’s Children’s Centres are threatened with closure to cut costs, according to the Birmingham Post. See below for the list.
The GMB union, which represents children’s centre staff, has reacted with anger to the proposals which it says will hit struggling families and place dozens of jobs at risk.
GMB regional organiser Gillian Ogilvie said: “These plans are absolutely disgraceful – and a shocking indictment of austerity Britain.
“Birmingham City council needs to do more to stop these devastating closures and listen to the people that need to use these services, rather than just allowing the government to continue with their austerity agenda.
“The GMB is calling on the council to try and prevent these closures and demand more money from the government to ensure vital support for parents and families are provided.”
Erdington MP Jack Dromey said: “Erdington is rich in talent but is one of the poorest constituencies in the country and closing four of our much needed Children’s Centres is simply wrong. I have seen first-hand the outstanding work they do. It would be quite simply heart-breaking to see them go.” He promised to lobby Downing Street for extra funding for the service.
BATC will be campaigning with parents and Centre staff to keep the Centres open, starting with our public meeting on Wednesday 28 June 7pm in the Council House (see previous post).
See the Birmingham Post report by Neil Elkes, 20 June, at
http://www.birminghampost.co.uk/news/regional-affairs/26-birmingham-childrens-centres-risk-13207580
The Centres at risk of closure:
Four Dwellings – Edgbaston
Lillian de Lissa and Belgravia – Edgbaston
Shenley Fields – Edgbaston
Barney’s – Erdington
Lakeside – Erdington
Osborne – Erdington
Pype Hays – Erdington
Anderton Park – Hall Green
Hall Green (Gospel Oak) – Hall Green
Job Marston – Hall Green
Muath – Hall Green
Park Road – Hall Green
Adderly – Hodge Hill
Washwood Heath – Hodge Hill
Bordesly Village – Hodge Hill
Six Ways – Hodge Hill
Summerfield – Hodge Hill
Kings Norton Camp Lane – Northfield
Merrishaw – Northfield
Weoley Castle – Northfield
Maypole – Selly Oak
Reameadow – Selly Oak
Bush Babies – Sutton Coldfield
Four Oakes – Sutton Coldfield
The Deanery – Sutton Coldfield
Bordesley Green East – Yardley
