Children's centres in Somerset to remain open

Children's centres in Somerset that were earmarked for closure will remain open, the local authority has confirmed.

Of the county's 41 centres, 18 were at risk due to budget cuts, but the county council said eleven of them will continue to operate the same service.

Somerset County Council said it is consulting people to see what extra support could be introduced.

Proposals for the remaining seven centres have not yet been finalised.

However, the council has insisted no centres would close.

A petition opposing the closures which was signed by more than 1,000 people, was handed to the authority in January.

The 11 centres to remain open are at Street; Burnham; Woolavington; Eastover; Langport; Barwick and Stoford; Nether Stowey; Dulverton; Wells; Ashlands and Fledglings in Taunton.