Mums call for 'lifeline' gym creche to be saved

Mums Zita, Janet and Natalie all use the creche and are devastated it is to close

A "lifeline" creche which has given generations of parents and carers some "me time" whilst they exercise at a council-run gym is to close.

The creche at West Kirby Concourse, Wirral, opened more than 30 years ago. Parents who are gym members pay £5 for two hours of childcare with qualified professionals, which enables them to do a gym class or other exercise.

Wirral council said the decision to shut it was made in March and "decisions around savings [were] always difficult".

Zita Aspell said she had "a little cry" when she heard the creche was closing while Natalie Hughes, 32, said her mother used the "vital" facility when she was an infant and, now she is a mum, it "means everything to me".

Ms Aspell said being able to carry on going to the gym after becoming a mum meant she retained her sense of self.

She said: "I worked out before I had my children, and because of this creche I can continue to do so."

Zita Aspell said the creche meant she could go to the gym after becoming a mum and retain her "sense of self"

She said the creche, which is available to parents who pay a monthly membership, enabled her to go to the gym and "have a shower, take a break" for a couple of hours, as well as keep fit.

Ms Aspell said she believed the decision had been made for financial reason but that was not the creche was about, adding: "It's about the bigger picture."

Over a cup of coffee at a local cafe, Ms Aspell and other mothers talked about the "false economy" of closing the creche.

All the mums who spoke to the BBC said they built their day in West Kirby around the visit to the leisure centre and spent money in the town.

Ms Aspell said her visits generated revenue for the local economy.

"I worked out I spend £10 every time I come and I do that two to four times a week," she said.

She also expressed frustration with the lack of advertising for the creche, adding "nobody knows it exists" and the council should be better at promoting the service.

Outside the leisure centre, there are no posters or advertisements telling potential customers what is available inside.

Natalie Hughes says the creche is a "generational" thing with her mother using it when she was little

Ms Hughes said using the creche was a "generational" thing in her family.

She said: "My mum came here with me, and I am 32 now – that's how long it's being going."

She uses the creche every week with her two year old son Finley.

Ms Hughes said: "It's a community for our children.

"My son knows all the children and staff there. West Kirby Concourse is supposed to be a community place, so why take away the one thing here which is for the community?"

Natalie added: "It means everything to me. I was a first time mum, quite isolated.

"I worked out before I was a mum, and this was the only place that enabled me to carry on with that part of me.

"For me, motherhood hit me so much harder – your life completely changes, so being able to carry on with a hobby kept a part of myself."

Wirral Council said: "Like many other local authorities, we continue to face severe financial challenges.

"Setting a legal and balanced budget for 2025-26 required financial support from the government and for councillors to agree a package of savings worth more than £25m."

Janet Furlong called on the council to reverse its decision

A spokesperson said: "Decisions around savings are always difficult but the council must be able to operate within its means and prioritise the most vulnerable in our communities.

"The proposal to close the creche at West Kirby Leisure Centre was approved in March as part of a savings package within a departmental change programme.

"We continue to consult with staff on the proposals and are committed to giving reasonable notice to staff, parents and carers before any changes are implemented."

Ms Aspell said users of the creche could be classed as "vulnerable" because of the isolation some parents experienced.

She said: "We talk about post-natal care, and there are choices to be made."

Grandmother Janet Furlong appealed to the council to reconsider its decision, saying she used the creche with her children and grandchildren and it was "vital" the service was kept for future generations.