GMB backs campaign to save only children's centre in one of UK's poorest wards
2 min read
Lakeside children's centre is yet another of hundreds closed in the face of people who need them most.
GMB has backed a campaign to save a children's centre in one of the UK’s poorest areas.
GMB General Secretary Tim Roache will join a delegation from Lakeside Children's Centre as they present a petition against the closure to Downing Street today (Wednesday).
Lakeside is the only facility for pre-school children in Wyrley Birch, Kingstanding, Erdington – and area of acute deprivation.
The centre is one of 26 Children Centres facing closure in Birmingham, the largest number in any local authority.
Nationwide, 1241 designated Sure Start Children’s Centres have been lost since 2010.
Tim Roache, GMB General Secretary said:
"Children's centres aren't just vital for providing the best start for young kids, but they are also hugely important to communities and support for parents too."
If we invest in our kids - and those who look after them - at the earliest opportunity, all of us will feel the benefit.
"The children's centre in Erdington will be yet another of hundreds which have been forced to close their doors in the face of the very people who need them most.
"The Tories should be ashamed that their cuts have seen so many children's centres close, but I hope this petition makes them wake up and see how much children's centres across the country are both a cherished and much needed asset."
Stuart Richards, Senior Organiser GMB Birmingham and West Midlands Regions, added:
"Birmingham's Children's Centres are already coping with reduced funding as a result of Tory cuts.
“Faced with even less money, the council is now proposing to close 26 of them completely.
“While we understand the council is having to cope with over 40% cuts to funding from central government, the fact is the proposals don't tell us how many jobs will be lost or what kind of support the families of Birmingham are likely to get.
“This isn't acceptable. Our members working in children's centres provide vital services and we can't afford to lose them.
“This is why GMB will continue to fight to save our Children's Centres."
