PARENTS made a heartfelt plea to the council to reconsider its proposals to axe children’s centres in Bolton.

They joined campaigners to stage a protest outside the well-used Kearsley Children’s Centre against plans to slash the number of centres operating in Bolton by two thirds. It was the latest in a number of protests staged by campaigners against the unpopular proposal.

Secretary Melissa Morse, aged 25, who lives in Farnworth, said:”I have a three-year-old and two-week-old. The centre is brilliant for my little girl. She socialises with other children, I am able to speak to other mums. Health visitors are available if you need advice. It is so important to keep this centre open, it is a busy centre and a lot of people use it.”

Thanks to the centre some parents have enrolled on a number of courses.

Debbie Heslop said: “My child was struggling to eat and I did a toddler eating course which was free and made a big difference.

“I have also done a family learning maths and English course.I am looking at other courses as well.

“This centre provides so many services.”

Suzie Boardman from Unison said: “The campaign from parents and members of the public is beginning to build as people begin to realise what is being proposed.

“We need to fight to save Bolton Children’s Centres and make the council think again.

“They are proposing to close The Orchards, Kearsley, Little Lever and Lord Street – leaving this part of Bolton without a centre.

“The council is proposing to open another centre in King Street but it is not suitable the way it is now.”