A CHILDREN’S centre used to care for Middlewich children will close to save £500,000 for Cheshire East Council. 


Councillors at the full council meeting on Thursday, February 25, voted against an amendment proposed by labour councillor Sam Corcoran to use £500,000 of a £2.97m Transition Grant to keep four children’s centres open in Sandbach, Broken Cross, Nantwich, and Knutsford. 


The result came despite the efforts of campaigners from Middlewich, who joined forces with others from across east Cheshire in an effort to save Sandbach Children’s Centre from being closed.


Parents and campaigners marched to the borough council offices on Tuesday, February 23.


Middlewich dad Jonathan Parry, from Warmingham Lane, was at the march and said the centre is vital for children in Middlewich. 


Jonathan said: “Eighteen months ago we relied on the Sandbach centre and it was fantastic for socialising with other new parents. My son, Sam’s, development was helped no end by interacting with other children his own age. I just can’t imagine what Middlewich parents are going to do without the centre.


The motion was lost with 40 councillors voting against the proposal with only 30 voting in favour.


Cllr Corcoran argued at the meeting that there needs to be time to test how the services will run before the decision is taken to close the hubs. 


“There is a perception that the consultation has been rushed,” he said. “We need to test the alternative services before taking money away from the children’s centres. 


Under the proposals, the four ‘Sure Start’ centres will be completely replaced by mobile bus services.


Cllr Mike Hunter, member of Middlewich Town Council, was dismissive of a possible bus service.


He said: “Currently these kids, some from difficult backgrounds, get to interact with each other in communal play areas, and I’m sorry but you cannot replace that with a bus.”