OPPOSITION councillors have praised council officers for finding a ‘workable solution’ regarding the future of children’s centres in Bolton.

As reported in yesterday’s The Bolton News, the council has announced plans to work with borough schools to keep eight of the buildings, which currently offer children’s centre services, open and offering services to families.

Seven centres will continue to offer full services as new Start Well Hubs.

Conservative leader Cllr David Greenhalgh said: “Overall I think this is not a bad settlement.

“The schools are happy to be included in this and will have funding for two-year-old provision and it will also mean they have access to children who may be coming to those schools from an early age. I believe the end model is satisfactory and workable.”

UKIP leader, Cllr Sean Hornby added: “I would like to put on record my thanks to the officers especially the Director of Children’s Services and his team for the work involved.

“I think given the task and the decision to cut funds, they have done the best they can with a bad situation.”