HEATON and Lostock will be “deprived” of a community building if the decision is made to close the children’s centre.

That was the concern of a number of residents at the Heaton and Lostock Area Forum meeting held tonight.

Various members of the public raised more concerns about the future of the building in New Hall Lane describing it as the only community hub in north Bolton.

A consultation by Bolton Council on the future of the 18 children’s centres across the borough finished earlier this month.

The meeting, held in the New Hall Lane building, was told that feedback from that consulation was currently being collated before a final decision is made.

Area co-ordinator Idris Jeewa told the meeting that there had been “expressions of interest” for the centre but it would not be known what they were until the final proposals.

John Gillatt, Heaton resident, stressed the importance of retaining the provision.

He said: “I’m sure its recognised this is the only community building in the north. Heaton and Lostock isn’t an area of great deprivation and it’s hard to argue the case of keeping it open simply on those grounds.

“But on the grounds of needing a community facility in the ward there are grounds there. We have to somehow retain this function even if it’s not in this building, somewhere else in the ward.”

Under the new plans Bolton Council aims to save £1.5m by reducing the number of centres from 18 to 13.

The 18 buildings currently offer support and information for families with children aged five and under — including helping with health issues, access to employment and wider services and drop-in sessions for parents and children.

The proposals will see the merging of the authority’s Family Support, Early Years and Childcare and Children’s Centre services into a new, integrated ‘Start Well’ service.

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

Cllr Bob Allen said: “I can’t tell you how many times our ward councillors have said this building is all that we have in Heaton and Lostock, we don’t have any parks or youth centres.

“We are deprived if not in the traditional sense of the word. But I’m assured by the deputy leader of the council that all children’s centres will remain open.

“What we are really looking at is who is going to take this over and who is going to run and is the library going to be retained.”

A senior council officer was scheduled to be at the area forum meeting, held in the New Hall Lane centre, to give a presentation on the children’s centre consultation but was unable to attend at the last minute.

Mr Jeewa said that all comments and concerns raised at the meeting would be passed back to the lead officer.

Deputy leader of the council Cllr Linda Thomas has stressed that none of the centres will be closed.