A CALL has been made for Essex County Council to think again about moves to close children's centres in Colchester.

The county council is set to close a number of children's centres - closing 37 centres but creating 12 hubs.

Greenstead Children's Centre was earmarked to be rebranded as a family hub and be open for 50 hours per week.

But new recommendations in a post-consultation report would see it closed with services relocated to Greenstead Library and Greenstead Community Resource Centre.

Now Colchester Council has responded strongly to the county council’s proposal to close children’s centres and has urged it to think again,

The response comes ahead of a trip by Dick Madden, the Essex County Council Cabinet Member responsible for Adult and Child Services, to the Greenstead Community Centre.

Mr Madden has been invited by St Andrew's councillor Julie Young who is also Colchester's mayor.

She will be joined by Colchester councillor Annie Feltham and a number of ward councillors.

The proposal also suggests the closure of other children’s centres in the borough such as Birch, Shrub End and New Town.

Ms Feltham said: "This is awful news for the families and young people in the Greenstead area.

"I’m bewildered how the county council can expect young mums to travel long distances to get the support and services they have come to rely on.

"This type of facility forms the heart of community relations.

"I hope Mr Madden will listen to what they have to say.”

Paul Smith, Colchester Council leader, added his concerns.

He said: "There seems no logic to the division of resources.

"Maldon is a third of the size of Colchester but will have the same level of support as Colchester.

"Tendring has had far bigger cuts to its services than other much wealthier areas.

"The county council is just not allocating the resources to where they are most needed. I urge the county council to think again.”

The county council says the new service would offer support to youngsters from birth to 19.

Although centres are set to be axed, the council says family hub delivery sites would be set up along with a range of outreach services.