PARENTS have lost their bid to save children’s centres across Bucks, as the county council slashes the service in the wake of funding cuts.

A group of local mothers and fathers protested outside Burnham Children’s Centre, in Minnicroft Road, on Saturday, January 6, in an appeal to get Bucks County Council (BCC) to retain the centres – but their efforts were in vain.

Iver Children’s Centre will be among the casualties of the decision, that was hotly protested right up to the day of the decision on Monday, January 8.

Alexa Collins, chairwoman for Bucks Labour Party, said: “These changes are dressed up as an improvement in services, but they aren’t. Its just part of Bucks County Council losing its government grant, and having to make £3.3 million in savings to its Early Years Budget.

“Our children will pay the price for the failings of the county council.”

Under the new scheme, most children’s centres will be closed in favour of a more centralised structure of a small number of hubs that provide support for a wide area – Burnham Children’s Centre is slated to become one of these hubs.

The model has attracted criticism, however, for its suggestion that parents in need of guidance should meet in cafes or similar places, rather than the privacy of a centre.

Cllr Paula Prince, of Burnham Parish Council, said: “People planning to close these don’t realise the good they do to help look after children. Meeting people face-to-face enables staff to spot signs of abuse or depression before they get worse.

“Cllr Warren White wants people to speak to somebody in a cafe – it’s ridiculous to expect people to talk to somebody in a public place, especially when they have children with them. It’s terrible to think where this service is going.”

BCC said: “The council plans to improve services and help families most in need by shifting the focus further from reactive services, to preventative support. The aim is to prevent small problems from getting out of control and help families to become more resilient to deal with problems in the future.”

Over the next six months, BCC will be discussing with local bodies how to best repurpose the 28 axed centres across the county.