Sure Start Centre Petition attracts over 4000 signatures! We need to fight on together!

Many thanks to all of you who signed the petition to ask Hampshire County Council to think again about closing most of its Children's Centres, leaving only 11 so-called 'hubs' across the County. Thanks also for the lovely comments you made about how valuable these Centres have been for you and your families. You can put more pressure on the council by looking at the document 'Shaping Hampshire' and responding to the on-line questionnaire on the proposals. The document looks very plausible, as it's proposing a 'Family Support Service' which covers a range of family situations for families with children aged 0-19. All very well. but then, as you read on, you will see that to do this, they will close 64 out of the 75 current centres, leaving only 11 across the County. And these will only be for families in dire need, not for everyone. You can read the document and comment at www.hants.gov.uk/childrens-services-consultation Let Hampshire know what you think. You can also email direct to the County Councillor responsible for Children's Services - Councillor Keith Mans at keith.mans@hants.gov.uk We need to let Hampshire know how many people value the Children's Centres and that we will fight to keep them open for all who need them.