Wiltshire parents plan protest to save six children's centres from closure

Families say the centres are vital for parents and babies Credit: ITV West Country

Families in Wiltshire say there won't be enough support for them if six children's centres in the county close.

The county council has earmarked shutting down centres at Westbury White Horse, Trowbridge Longfield, Mere, Salisbury City, Pewsey and Cricklade.

But people at the Westbury Children's Centre say going to the classes is an easy way to make friends and get support.

Wiltshire Council say the buildings are underused and expect they could save a quarter of a million pounds if they provided the same services elsewhere.

Instead midwives and health visitors would provide the one-to-one help for the most vulnerable parents and classes would move to libraries and church halls.

But parents say it's not that simple.

The six centres set aside for closure are supposedly in less deprived areas but the Mayor of Westbury says there are poorer parts of town that need this £22,000 a year building.

Parents and children who use the centres are running a petition and are planning to protest outside County Hall in Trowbridge next Tuesday (April 30) ahead of Wiltshire Council's meeting to make a decision on the centres future.