FEARS have been voiced for the future of children’s services in Studley under new proposals from Warwickshire county council.
In an effort to save £1.12million, the county wants to shrink the service into one hub located in Alcester to cover the whole of south Warwickshire.
Outreach staff would then radiate out to towns and villages across the area to help parents and deal with any issues.
Now the authority has launched a major consultation exercise to get the views of local residents, and members of Studley parish council are urging local people to take part.
The county’s chairman, Councillor Clive Rickhards, who represents the Studley ward, said: “The Studley centre is up for assessment and possible closure and I would certainly urge the parish council and any individuals to make representations to the county council.”
Parish chairman Coun Paul Beaman added: “If we think the closure of the Studley centre would be to the detriment to the work being carried out there then we must say that.
“Can what is being proposed work in the same way with regard to parenting advice.”
Coun Sue Redman added: “Since the hub for those with learning disabilities left the village hall the support for them has almost completely gone.
“It was weorking from at the Methodist Church for a while but have left and now people have to go to Stratford.
“Within a short space of time no one seems to know how to get in touch with the people who ran these services and now there is nothing.
“We should fight these proposals regarding childrens centres.”
Speaking after the meeting, Gemma Clark, manager of the Warwickshire Wellbeing Service for people with learning disabilities, rejected Coun Redman’s comments.
She said: “We’ve been responsive to the needs of the people of South Warwickshire and have designed the service to match that need. Studley residents, should they come forward for support, will be able to gain access to support at a location of their choice, whether that is a community centre, library or coffee shop, and we encourage them to do so.”
Anyone wishing to take part in the childrens centres consultation should visit the county council website or click http://bit.ly/2uLY9a6
