28/01/04 - 3 Childrens' Centres for Allerdale

This week,  Cumbria County Council’s Local Committee for Allerdale heard of proposals to establish three Childrens’ Centres across the Allerdale area. Central Government is looking to encourage local councils to establish Children’s Centres in at least half of the nation’s most deprived areas.

During the first phase of development up to 2006 Allerdale can expect to see a Children’s Centre in North Allerdale, building on the neighbourhood nursery and mini-SureStart programme; and a West Allerdale Children’s Centre, building on the existing SureStart programme. The most significant and major Children’s Centre development in the County will be based in Workington.

Councillor Barbara Cannon Chair of the Local Committee says,

"The proposal for the establishment of Strategic Children's Centres in Allerdale builds on the Sure Start initiative in West Allerdale (Maryport and District) and the mini Sure Start project in North Allerdale.  However the announcement that the Children’s Centre development based at the Minto Centre is excellent news for parents and children in Workington.  We have missed out in the past on the establishment of a Sure Start for Workington despite having the highest level of need.  The initial provisional allocation of £1m is very welcome. Children from Westfield, Salterbeck, Clifton, Moorclose and St Michaels will benefit by the provision of 100 day care places by 2006."