PROPOSALS to close a children’s centre that supports mothers throughout pregnancy to caring for toddlers have been revealed by Darlington Borough Council.

The authority’s Children’s and Adults Services department have announced plans to shut its Haughton Children’s Centre as part of £1.399m worth of cuts being made across its remit.

The council currently operates five centres across Darlington in McNay Street, Skerne Park, Mount Pleasant, Dodmire and Haughton.

However, Darlington Borough Council cabinet members will be told tonight that a six-week public consultation period will be launched to determine the future of each centre to run a “reduced level” service.

Within a council report published ahead of the cabinet meeting, a proposed children centre model would see McNay Street becoming the borough’s main hub to deliver classes, group activities and clinics.

Skerne Park, Dodmire and Mount Pleasant Children’s Centres would become “satellite” facilities under the proposals recommended to cabinet members.

The Darlington Borough Council report states: “The model proposed could allow continuation of children centre delivery in key areas of the borough.

“All centres could continue to offer a range of 0-5 services which could be determined by area need.

“McNay Street would become a centre of delivery for all programmes and would be accessible for all residents within Darlington.

“It is proposed that Haughton Children Centre be closed, however through the consultation process, should interested parties or potential change of use be identified then this will be considered.”

The Haughton Children’s Centre, off Salters Lane South, currently hosts weekly antenatal clinics, a parent-led creative group, baby activity group, children’s health clinic and breastfeeding café.

Consultation over its proposed closure and the reduction of services at Skerne Park, Dodmire and Mount Pleasant are set to include residents and stakeholders and would be completed via an online questionnaire.

Public meetings are also proposed to be held at each children’s centre as part of the six-week consultation process.

Members of the public are welcome to attend the cabinet meeting in the Town Hall’s Committee Room 2 at 5pm tonight where councillors will hear the Children’s and Adults Services report.