PROPOSALS to build a children’s centre in Middlewich have been given the green light by councillors.

Cheshire county councillors voted unanimously at a meeting on Thursday to grant approval to build 12 new centres across Cheshire including Middlewich.

Speaking at the meeting labour clr Peter Nurse said: “This marks the final stage in the children’s centres programme, which has proved nothing less than a revolution in child care.

“Children’s centres can now be found throughout Cheshire, with many areas having more than one, and the programme is now extending into the suburbs.”

Children’s Centre’s are part of the Government’s Sure Start initiative and act as a one-stop-shop for families offering childcare and health and family support from one central base.

Independent clr Neville Price added: “I have been very fortunate over the last two years to have opened or visited several children’s centres – the atmosphere is always one full of joy and the staff are committed to making children’s lives the best they can be.

“The SureStart scheme has clearly made a huge difference to the lives of countless children and their families.

“I am very pleased to see rural areas are now being integrated into the children’s centre programme.”

The centres tend to be built next to schools, but no sites have yet been chosen in Middlewich.