THERE is perfectly understandable concern about plans to axe 11 of Bolton’s children’s centres.

The scheme to retain just seven, saving £1.5 million and re-structuring the system, has been met with alarm by many people – especially the hundreds of families with young children who currently use these centres regularly.

They are certainly valuable, offering support, information and services for families with children aged five and under. There is help with health issues, access to employment and wider services and drop-in sessions for parents and children.

It’s not only the supportive staff and services that many parents would miss but the chance to get together with other similar parents at an accessible centre in their local community.

I know the council is forced to implement swingeing Government cuts and that this is another example of huge reluctance to do so. However, these centres really are lifelines to many families and, if there are any reserves or pots of money that could prop them up, it is vital that they do so.