Families 'will have to go elsewhere' if hubs close

Millmead in Margate is one of two children’s centres at risk due to KCC funding cuts

A community in Kent is fighting to save a children's centre which is at risk of being closed due to a funding cut.

Millmead Children’s Centre, on Dane Valley Road, Margate, is one of two centres facing closure due to cost savings by Kent County Council (KCC).

An eight-week public consultation on the future of the hubs closed on Sunday.

Jan Collins, who chairs the Millmead Family Hub, said it would be disastrous for the local area if the centre does not have its grant: “There are families under the responsibility of our safeguarding and child protection role, that will have to go elsewhere."

Cllr Barry Lewis said children's lives will be at risk if they close the Millmead centre

Sue Chandler, KCC's cabinet member for children’s services, said: “In light of the significant financial pressures KCC is facing, we are looking at how we deliver our services to ensure that they are efficient and cost effective.”

Labour KCC councillor Barry Lewis told BBC Radio Kent: “The children who use this centre have nowhere to go to and they will be wandering the streets.

“The Millmead centre was set up to save children’s lives. By definition, if it closes children’s lives will be a risk.”

Jan Collins said it would be disastrous for the local area if the centre does not have its grant

Millmead and Seashells Family Hub, in Sheerness, are the only two externally commissioned family hubs in Kent. The KCC contracts to run both hubs expire in March 2025.

Ms Collins said: “The other issue is the failure of food program because that money is raised by the people that work here, we run the pantry too.

“We’re looking at probably 60 or 70 people a week who benefit from that and I don’t think we will have the staff to be able to deliver it, so that will go.”

The public consultation ran for 8 weeks and closed on 22 September

Ms Chandler added: “By not renewing these contracts when they naturally come to an end in March 2025, we can make a much-needed efficiency saving whilst continuing to provide essential services for families and young people in these areas.

“All feedback will now be considered and presented in a report to members for a decision later this year.”