A FAMILY centre in Southend is set to close and hours are to be slashed at others as part of budget cuts to save £350,000.

St Luke’s Centre, at St Luke’s Church Hall in Southend, will go as part of a series of measures to tackle a huge cash black hole.

A seven-week consultation is now complete and a new “family” model is being proposed which would see eight out of nine centres remain open, but St Luke’s would shut down.

Plans include three of the eight becoming core centres that would be open daily, Monday to Friday.

The other five centres will have varied opening times depending on need.

The centres offer services including ante-natal classes, child health clinics, breastfeeding support, and activities to promote child development.

Families say these centres are a “lifeline”, stating closures and reduced hours will have an impact.

Stacey Smith, 40, said: “I always use them. They are so vital for parents for support for themselves and a good place for little ones to be active and make friends.

“To some, they are a lifeline.

“As a first-time mum myself, I am so glad I have access to these centres. It was fantastic for me to build friendships with other mums in the same situation as me.

“My little one has some good baby friends from it too.

“I believe losing any centres, or reducing the hours would be so sad for many families.”

Echo Facebook users also had their say, as Jacki Simpson said; “Children’s centres are a vital resource and utilised by parents from all economic backgrounds.

“They give all children an equal opportunity in their lives. They should be retained in all areas, and run at full capacity.”.

Matt Dent, Labour councillor for Southend’s Kursaal ward, said closing any will be a mistake.

He said: “I am still concerned about the plans the administration is proposing as what you are talking about is downgrading services at a number of family centres.

“I really think the family centre we have do a fantastic job, and to reduce them and close St Luke’s is mistake.”

If this is approved by the council, a staff consultation will be undertaken with a view to starting with the new service in the summer or early autumn.

Helen Boyd, Conservative councillor responsible for children and learning, added: “I want to thank everyone that took the time to complete the survey or attend an in-person event.

"These revisions to the original proposal will significantly improve the local offer of activities across centres and will better support parents, from before childbirth and into parenthood, as well as providing a more meaningful support for early years and childhood development.

“We anticipate that the proposed amendments will still enable us to achieve savings of around £350,000. Officers are now completing the details of the future service for each of the eight centres and ensure we can continue to support parents and families and improve health and wellbeing outcomes.”