PROPOSALS by Oxfordshire County Council to close all the children’s centres in Bicester has sparked fury among mums.

Hundreds of people turned up to a meeting in Banbury on Monday to vent their anger at plans that could see a well-used service close.

The children’s centres have long been an important, and some would say essential, part of a network to support Bicester’s parents.

These centres have been built-up and expanded over the years to become a place where parents know they can go for all kinds of help.

Campaigners want to emphasise that children’s centres are not just playgroups – they are places where mums and dads know they can get help, support and advice if they are struggling.

Problems could be post-natal depression, or advice on how to get toddlers into a sleeping or eating routine, or a member of staff spotting a child whose speech is not developing properly.

These centres have been built up over many years and there is nothing else that can replace them. Cash, resources and time have all been pumped into these centres. They have built links in the community, trust among parents, and now they may face the axe.

Surely, that is a bigger waste of money.

Before making their decision, councillors need to look at the wider picture.

These centres take the pressure off other services, especially the health system and social services.

If they close, who is going to pick up the extra workload? Or are more children and their families going to fall through the cracks?

Children’s centres were set up for a reason, and that hasn’t changed.

Bringing up children is the toughest job and at times we all need support. But if these centres close, just where are we going to get it?