A CAMPAIGN has been launched to stop 13 children's centres in Bolton being axed.

Campaigners say the money is available to stop the controversial proposals from being implemented — and are urging the people of Bolton to help "stop the heart being ripped out of these valuable services".

The Bolton News revealed last month that the council has put forward plans to cut the number of centres it operates in the borough from 18 to seven in a bid to save almost £1.5 million.

The proposals are now being consulted on.

The decision to launch the campaign was taken at the recent meeting of Bolton Trades Council.

Tom Hanley, spokesman for Bolton Trades Council, said: "The leader of the council, Cliff Morris has always said he will look after the most vulnerable.

"This is ripping the heart out of these valuable services where the need is greatest. We want the public to know they have a voice through our campaign.

"It is ironic that Jeremy Corbyn is standing on a platform of providing for communities and ensuring no one is left behind when this Labour council is making such devastating cuts.

"The council keeps telling us that the Tory government is responsible for making the cuts and yet it is a local Tory Councillor who is calling on the council to use its reserves."

Campaigners are calling on the council to use some of £204 million of reserves and the £3.7 million dividend from Manchester Airport.

Suzi Boardman, Unison's convenor for children’s services, said: "Who decides that a cut is too deep? The proposals set out job loses, cuts to services and provisions which will undoubtedly put further pressure on statutory social work role.

"This would mean we might well see more families hitting crisis point as we have less and less to offer in terms of preventative and support services.

"It is worrying that the council are proposing cuts to the children’s centres when an all party Parliamentary group has just released a report making recommendations to build on the success of centres by investing in them to create family hubs, opening the services up to the whole community.

"Bolton Council had an input into this report as some of our children’s centres currently provide services to all ages, but will no longer do so."

Andrea Egan, assistant branch secretary for Bolton Unison, added: "In the current economic climate, where many so families are really struggling, children’s centres offer a practical support and are a real lifeline.

"It would be a devastating blow to lose them.

"Closing the centre’s would have an immediate knock on effect for health and social services.

"We are urging people to take part in Bolton Council’s consultation.

"People will be able to find out more about the campaign on social media using the hashtag #SaveBoltonChildrensCentres."

Town Hall chiefs have blamed swingeing government cuts for the proposed closures and argue that the reserves money is for one-off funding.

To get involved in the consultation visit http://www.bolton.gov.uk/website/pages/Childrenscentres.aspx