THURROCK Labour Party campaigners joined forces with parents to protest against planned closures of Children’s Centres across Thurrock.

The group gathered outside the Stanford-le-Hope Children’s Centre, Copland Road, Stanford-le-Hope and held a large demonstration calling on Thurrock Council to halt their plans.

Four children’s centres, across Thurrock, have been earmarked for closure by the council including, centres in Aveley, Beacon or Chafford Hundred, East Tilbury and Stanford-le-Hope.

All centres would close in April under the proposals.

Thurrock Council is currently running a consultation which closes on Sunday December 4.

The protest was organised by Oliver Gerrish, Labour councillor for West Thurrock and South Stifford.

He said: “These sweeping closures are going to be very damaging to Thurrock’s communities.

"I don’t think the council has realised how angry people are about these closures. The centres really are so important to Thurrock parents.

"It’s not just the physical building; it’s the great staff, the vital services offered and the invaluable support networks that are created.”

The council is planning outreach and dispersed services instead of the current service centres.

A Stanford-le-Hope mum rallied other parents for the protest and she has also started a with 350 signatures.

Sally Felton said: “The petition to save Stanford-le-Hope Children's Centre has had a lot of support.

"It is such an important part of the community and I have had so many comments from families it has helped.

"I think there is a misconception that some areas need children's centres more, but actually all parents are dealing with a whole range of issues, that these centres help, regardless of their location or income.

"Having a centre with trained staff, available five days a week, who are able to offer support and advice is so important and it is making a real difference."

James Halden, Conservative councillor responsible for health and education said: “We need to look beyond the traditional way of doing things.

"This holistic and integrated approach from ages zero to 19-years-old will develop new and better ways of providing services to residents.

“By having a single registration process, a lead professional to coordinate their support and multiple services under one roof, families will be better informed to get the support they need.

“It is proposed that all timetabled services currently taking place at the Stanford le Hope centre will continue and parents will be able to book these sessions. We're also extending the age range to children aged 11 and targeting the more vulnerable as a priority.

“This is about the quality of service – not bricks and mortar. Previously, there were different services offered - with overlapping services in different locations.

“The consultation closes on Sunday 4 December and I encourage all interested parties to submit a response.”

To find out about more about Sally Felton’s petition visit: www.change.org/p/thurrock-council-save-stanford-le-hope-children-s-centre

To find out more about the Children’s Centre Consultation or to comment visit: www.thurrock.gov.uk/say/children.