'It will destroy the community' - Margate and Sheerness children's centres facing closure
It's as Kent County Council look to pull funding
Two children's centres in Margate and Sheerness could be closed if the Kent County Council decide to stop their funding.
Milmeads and Seashells have entered a period of consultation, putting dozens of jobs at risk.
This is despite our understand that Milmeads had 15,000 visitors last year.
Janet Collins, the chair of Milmeads, believes it will destroy the community.
She said: "It was a surprise for lots of people that it was a consultation for closure and that has shocked the whole of the community and everyone that works here because it will damage the community, unravelling very quickly.
"We very aware of the financial issues but our position, at this moment is, if you don't have these resources here locally, all these things that matter to parents will cost a lot more over a longer period of time.
"Dane Valley has the highest levels of poverty in Kent and I struggle to understand why they would want to close us, when we are based in that community."
For Kent County Council, they are looking to withdraw the £400,000 worth of funding between the two centres.
This is because of their need to save £100,000,000 in two years. Sue Chandler, Cabinet Member for Integrated Children’s Services said: “In light of the significant financial pressures KCC is facing, we are looking at how we deliver our services to ensure that they are efficient and cost effective.
“These are the only two centres run by external providers in the county. Under the current contracts for Millmead and Seashells Family Hubs, KCC is paying for both the delivery of the service and the local management of that service by the providers.
“By not renewing these contracts when they naturally come to an end in March 2025, we can make a much-needed efficiency saving whilst continuing to provide essential services for families and young people in these areas.
“I urge everyone to read the consultation document for full details of our proposal and complete the questionnaire to share their views.”