Menston and Burley Children’s Centre has won a reprieve after a successful campaign to keep it going.

Local Conservative councillors Jackie Whiteley and Dale Smith, who sit on the children’s centre advisory board and MP Philip Davies urged the Labour controlled Bradford Council to think again about their proposed cuts to the service, which would have left no more than a building with a receptionist!

Councillor Whiteley spoke in Council and said: “There are vulnerable children and families in all areas of Bradford and we should ensure that all our children’s centres have support from qualified staff.”

A 625 signature petition was organised by Gerry Barker, a former policemen, who said: “I was appalled to hear that Bradford Council was intending to remove the only family service that we still receive in Burley and Menston.

“It has been a huge success since it opened only three years ago and has become an important resource for families and child-minders.”

Gerry and local mum Kathren Wright presented the petition in the Council Chamber.

Heather Norrys, the co-chairman of The Menston and Burley Children’s Centre Advisory Board added: “I am delighted with the news that the children’s centre services will continue for the next twelve months at least and that we will have the opportunity to work with our partners in the community to ensure a sustainable future for the children’s centre and for the families that use the service.

“Thank you for all the support from local councillors, the parish councils and to Gerry and to everyone who signed the petition which had such an impact on Bradford Council.”

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