A CONSULTATION period is under way to decide the future of children’s centres that support Darlington families.

Darlington Borough Council launched the process this week after its children’s and adults services department revealed its plans to close one of its five centres as it faces a £1.399m budget cut.

The SureStart centres that support mothers from pregnancy through to caring for toddlers currently operate in McNay Street, Skerne Park, Mount Pleasant, Dodmire and Haughton.

However, the council has proposed to close its Haughton Children’s Centre with 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, offering a reduced service based on the needs of nearby families.

Councillor Cyndi Hughes, cabinet member for Children and Young People, said: “Everyone knows that the council is facing financial challenges.

“This means that we have had to look at different ways of ensuring that our children’s centres continue to deliver on a range of priorities, including reducing child poverty and providing early help and support to families.

“We want to know what everyone – parents, grandparents, aunties and uncles – thinks about our proposals to make children’s centres more flexible, effective and efficient.”

The consultation period will last for six weeks before closing at the end of May.

A questionnaire can be accessed online and a series of public meetings will be held at the centres for families who currently use the centres and those expecting to access their services soon.

The consultation questionnaire states: “Under the new operating model, it is proposed that McNay Street Children’s Centre will be designated as the main hub for the service, with additional delivery points at other children’s centres – Skerne Park, Dodmire and Mount Pleasant.

“Outreach centres from both Red Hall Community Centre and Maidendale Community Centre would continue.

“If the proposals are adopted, none of these centres would face closure, although the ones designated as delivery points may close during quieter periods.”

Once the consultation period has ended, the responses will form a report to be delivered to the council’s cabinet members before a final decision is made.

To complete the questionnaire, visit darlington.gov.uk/childrenscentrechanges