COUNCIL leaders have been criticised by headteachers in Swin-don over proposals to close more than half of the town’s children’s centres.

Plans were announced earlier this year to close some of the centres in a bid to save more than £800,000, but it has led to widespread opposition.

If the proposals go ahead, seven of the 12 centres will close next year, while two – in Abbey Meads and West Swindon – will operate as ‘multi-generational centres’ on two thirds of their existing budgets.

The council says it is protecting those which help the highest number of vulnerable children but critics and opposition have said this will still leave many without the support they need.

A consultation has been running over the summer so users could have their say on the proposal.

Now the Swindon branch of the National Association of Head Teachers has weighed into the argument, saying the wellbeing of children should be put ahead of economic decisions.

President of the branch, Jo Garton, said: “We have always been told that the best way to help vulnerable children is to intervene early on.

“If you don’t do that then you can have difficulty for many years. Vulnerable children do not just live in Penhill and Parks.

“Recently, Redhouse had one of the highest rates for domestic abuse and yet they are considering turning Butterflies into a multi-generational centre. It seems that will be expected to do more on a smaller budget.

“The children’s centres allow a professional to intervene and deal with problems early on, making the life of the child much better.

“The wellbeing of any child must be put against saving money.

“The potential savings from this move will be a lot less than the longer-term costs, both economically and socially.”

Councillor Fionuala Foley (Con, Chiseldon and Lawn), the cabinet member for children’s services, said she would take into account the number of referrals to Social Services whenever a final decision is made.

She said: “I welcome any response in the consultation pro-cess. I have been encouraged by some of the responses received.

“The centres which serve the highest number of vulnerable children are protected but we are facing huge budget cuts, not just here but all over the country.

“I am aware of the geographical spread which is why we are proposing the centres in West and North Swindon.

“There is still time for people to take part in the consultation so I would encourage them to do so.”