LEWISHAM: Creches set to close across the borough (From News Shopper)

LEWISHAM: Creches set to close across the borough

11:11am Tuesday 1st June 2010 in

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CRECHES across the borough are set to be closed as part of a cost-cutting measure.

Lewisham Council’s childminding centres in eight locations across the borough will be shutdown under the plan.

The facilities are provided to students on the council’s Community Education Lewisham courses at locations such as the Brockley Rise Centre and the Kirkdale Centre in Kirkdale, Sydenham.

Their closure would see 26 staff members made redundant at the end of this term.

Pat Richardson, a 65-year-old student who is chairman of the Grove Park User Group for students at the Pragnell Road centre, said there had been a lack of consultation over the closures.

She said: “Clearly, there is nothing to consult on - it is now a fait accompli.”

Ms Richardson went on: “The people who use these facilities are younger women who might not be able to do a class otherwise.

“At Grove Park alone at least 24 students use the facility.

“Most mums who might have a very young child preferred them to be on site while they did their classes.

“Now that option has gone it might have a bad effect.”

A council spokesman said: "The new process of funding allows students to apply for a grant and choose their own form of childcare.

“We remain committed to supporting our students in need of childcare and we will be working with them to get the best they can from this new system.”