RESIDENTS have until Monday to have their say on controversial council proposals to shut children's centres in Bolton.

Bolton Council extended the consultation period by 30 days.

It should have closed on September 2.

Unions called for the consultation period to be extended because it started during the summer holidays and to raise awareness of the proposals in the community.

Bolton Council has been consulting on proposals to close the doors on around a dozen children's children which, say campaigners, "serve families and local communities across the town".

Campaigners are urging the council to reconsider its proposals to slash the number of centres operating in Bolton by two-thirds to save £1.5 million.

New teams will operate from seven Start Well community hubs across the south, north and west areas of the borough.

The council plans to keep remaining children’s centre buildings open for use by the wider community — but they will need to be managed by a school or third sector party, who could build on or expand the services offered.

Tom Hanley, of Bolton Trades Union Council, described the centres as a "lifeline to local children and their families".

He said: "Unison managed to get the extension. I think people should do everything they can, phone the council, contact their councillor, write to the paper and to do it quickly."

At this week's meeting of the Heaton and Lostock Labour Party branch meeting, members voted for a motion for funding of children's centres to continue at its current rate.

A Bolton Council spokesman said:"Consultation closes at 5pm on Monday, October 3 and we would encourage people to fill out the online survey via our website www.bolton.gov.uk/childrenscentres. "Originally consultation was due to end on September 2, but we extended the period as part of the usual negotiations with union representatives to allow staff and members of the public sufficient time to express their views. We have also visited every children’s centre to talk through the proposals face to face with a cross section of service users and their views will all be taken into consideration.

"Once consultation has closed the responses will help form a new report with final proposals for the redesign of Early Years and Childcare, Children’s Centres and Family Support services. This report will be brought to a future meeting of The Cabinet."