Six Derby children's centres saved from closure

Six children's centres in Derby have been saved from closure after the city council responded to a 13,000-signature petition against the proposal.

It was announced in January that Sure Start centres in Mickleover, Chaddesden, Oakwood, Chellaston, Derwent and Pear Tree could close.

Derby City Council said it had found £500,000 to keep the centres open but the services offered could change.

The Tory-Lib Dem council must cut £27m from its budget over two years.

Evonne Williams, cabinet member for children and young people, said the council listened to what residents wanted.

"We listened to people in the consultation and took it all into account," she said.

"We need to make sure the same services are available across the city [in Sure Start centres] which will mean a decrease in services for some centres and an increase in others.

"We need to make sure it is equal across the city."

Ms Williams added in order to ensure the future of the centres, more long term funding would have to be established.

"We are trying to make sure there is no doubling up of services and find the money," she said.