Crèche Closures Hit 100 Families

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

New information has come to light that demonstrates nearly 100 families will be affected by the closure of the crèche at the Black Lion.  This is far in excess of what has been claimed by the Tory administration.
Between April and October, the crèche was used by 84 different families with 99 children.  An average of eight per day used the crèche, but this rose to 12 on many occasions.  As the total capacity of the crèche is 12 children, and it was only open from 9am to 1pm, it was in fact very well used.
No actual figures were ever given to back up the portfolio holder’s claims of under-usage, and so it appears the justification for closing the crèches was not based on hard facts.
Cllr Teresa Murray said,
“This just demonstrates that the Tories are prepared to use any means, fair or foul, to get their way.  The crèche at the Black Lion was on average two-thirds full, rising to full capacity on many days.  However, the Tories have deliberately avoided the issue in an attempt to justify their cuts to services.”
“The closure of the crèches will impact most on families and those on low incomes.  It will also mean that fewer people will be able to use the centre, and will end up costing the Council more in the long run.”
“If a service that is well used, popular and helps local families can be cut so that the Tories can try to balance the books, it just shows nothing is safe.” 
“The campaigners will keep up the fight to save their services, and will be asking questions at the next Full Council meeting.”
ENDS

For further comment please contact Cllr Teresa Murray on 01634 409486 or Mobile: 07855 378043.  Alternatively contact the Group office on 01634 332393.