Somerset County Council is to hold two open meetings in Burnham-On-Sea for local people to have their say about proposed changes to the town’s Octopus Children’s Centre.
The Burnham centre is among 18 across Somerset that could be changed in plans initially put forward last November.
The council is inviting parents, families and other people with an interest to attend the meetings.
The sessions will be held at The Octopus Centre in Burnham on 26th February from 6pm-7.30pm and 28th February from 9.30am-11am.
The meetings will be a chance to suggest extra services either in the Children’s Centres or delivered elsewhere in the community as the council seeks to improve its ‘Early Help’ offer for children and families.
Councillor Frances Nicholson told Burnham-On-Sea.com: “In November I said people would have a further chance to have their say before any decisions are made about the individual centres and this is now under way.”
“The proposals for the centres will mean people will continue to get at least the same support they get now from the same buildings; if anything that support will be increased.”
“I hope these meetings lay to rest any concerns that people may have had locally about the services that they, like the Council, value so highly.”
Proposals for the centres will become clearer over the next couple of weeks, but she stressed that there are no proposals to close Children’s Centres. Services will continue to be provided in the communities where they are found now through the current Children’s centre building and other suitable venues.
There will be appropriate opportunities for people to comment on the changes, which in some cases may involve consultation. Any necessary consultations will begin in March and details will be publicised.
