DEPUTY Labour leader Harriet Harman was in town today to back a call by South Swindon prospective Parliamentary candidate Anne Snelgrove for children's centres to be granted a stay of execution until after the election.

Mrs Snelgrove says that if Labour came to power in May money would be provided to keep them all open.

She said today: "These centres are about helping the vulnerable and that doesn't just mean victims of domestic abuse.

"Vulnerability can include various factors, including post-natal depression." 

Last year Swindon Council announced it was closing seven children’s centres, with two being replaced by multi-generational facilities, in an attempt to save £770,000.

The centres to close are Eldene, Croft, Salt Way, Robert le Kyng, West Swindon, Butterflies and Ladybird, with the new facilities opening in West and North Swindon.

Ms Harman, who is also the Shadow Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, met campaigners including Mrs Snelgrove outside Croft Children's Centre in Marlborough Lane, Old Town.

She then went on to New College where she spoke to students about how to get more people to vote.

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