THE Shadow Children’s Minister visited Swindon yesterday and criticised the decision to close seven Children’s Centres as a way of saving money.

Alison McGovern visited several centres and spoke to parents about the decision.

Earlier this year it was announced seven centres would be closing as the council looks to save £770,000. Two centres, at Abbey Meads and West Swindon, will be replaced by multi-generational centres.

The Labour MP said while money had to be saved it was unfair to punish families for a mess they had not created.

“I have watched the campaign to keep these centres open and it is very important,” she said.

“As the Party which introduced Sure Start Centres we know how important they are for many fathers and mothers.

“We know cuts have to be made but this Government has placed an unfair burden on local authorities and this is the consequence.

“Children are not who should be paying the price and the cuts need to be found elsewhere.”

The Shadow Minister visited the Goddard Park Children’s Centre, which is not set to be hit by the cuts.

“It’s immediately clear on walking into the children’s centre at Goddard Park Primary School that the centre is making a hugely positive impact on local children’s lives,” she said.

“It’s a fun, supportive environment reflected in the happy development of the children who attend.”

She had been invited to the town by Labour’s South Swindon Parliamentary candidate Anne Snelgrove, who wanted to show her the impact of the closures.

Anne said: “I am really pleased to show Alison a very successful children’s centre.

“There used to be 14 centres in Swindon but after these latest closures there will be just five, which is devastating for the children of the town.

“Alison has told me she is shocked at the amount of money which has been taken from children’s centres.”

Coun Fionuala Foley (Chiseldon and Lawn), the cabinet member for children services, said Swindon was not the only place facing cuts but was dealing with the problem in an innovative way.

She said: “I have ring-fenced the centres which protect our most vulnerable children.

“What is different about us is that we are taking a unique approach by converting two of the centres into something which can be used by the whole community.

“Labour left this country in a financial mess which we are fixing and I am determined to make sure we spend what money we have wisely.”