THE future of children’s centres in Bolton could be under threat.

A report will go to the council’s cabinet next week which will discuss what the authority intends to do regarding the 18 children’s centres it operates across the borough.

While the details of any proposed plans are yet to be revealed, it is believed there will be a consultation on the future of the centres — which could mean that some will be closed.

It is not yet know which, if any, centres could close and whether any jobs will be affected.

The issue came to light as the council hosted a meeting for potential bidders wanting to provide services for vulnerable youngsters in Bolton in the future, held at Bolton Central Library last week.

During the meeting, a representative of one company interested in bidding for the contract raised the issue of the future of the town’s children’s centres, stating: “I understand there is going to be a consultation on the future of children’s centres.

He added: “That would clearly have an impact on how the companies that deliver some of these contracts operate.”

He then asked if any tender process for such services would be changed to take into account the consultation on children’s centres.

Effectively confirming that such a consultation would indeed be taking place, the council’s development manager, Kath Smith, said it would be “silly” not to tie the tender process in line with the children’s centre review.

The council has remained tight-lipped on the full detail of any proposed changes because it says the full report must be discussed and signed off by the cabinet — which meets on Monday.

The authority also wants to discuss any implications of its plans for children’s centres with staff before any detail is made public.

The council’s cabinet meeting will take place on 2pm on Monday in the lecture theatre of Bolton Central Library.

After the report is signed off, full details of any proposals regarding the future of the council’s 18 children’s centres will be revealed.