Families are rallying to fight for the future of children’s centres throughout the district as Council spending cuts loom.

Parents whose children attend the newly-built Little Lane Children’s Centre in Ilkley fear it may be earmarked for closure as Bradford Council prepares to implement an expected £4 million of cuts.

Although the Council has yet to reveal any plans for the future of Sure Start centres, parents have drawn up a petition calling for Ilkley’s centre – opened last summer – to be protected.

There are also fears that new Sure Start Children’s Centres in Silsden and Menston could be affected.

Bradford Council says all decisions about the future funding of projects will be decided at a full Council meeting on Thursday, February 24.

Concerned parent Jenny Yeardley says the Little Lane centre has been a great success, with a huge demand for the services from local parents.

She said: “It’s vastly over-subscribed and they have waiting lists for courses.”

The Ilkley centre hosts stay-and-play sessions, open to childminders with youngsters as well as parents and guardians. It also hosts baby massage courses, offers guidance on breast-feeding and baby care, and advice for parents.

Copies of the petition can be signed at several children’s clothing and goods shops in Ilkley.

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