A POPULAR children’s centre that was threatened with closure has been given a lifeline.

The Echo can reveal Little Treasures, in Electric Avenue, Westcliff, will continue to offer Sure Start facilities in the new financial year.

The centre appeared to be doomed when Tory bosses at Southend Council decided in January it would have to close to save money.

However, chiefs have performed a U-turn following pleas from fellow councillors and parents.

Mark Flewitt, the Tory councillor responsible for children and learning, said: “There was very strong representation and, thanks to that, I’m happy to say we can continue offering a service at the centre.

“We had a look at how it could work and we’ve managed to find the necessary money elsewhere.”

Council chiefs came under fire from political rivals and outraged parents when they announced their intention to close Little Treasures.

The centre was set up under the previous Labour government, but bosses said they could no longer afford it in the wake of the coalition’s cut-backs.

Although it would have continued to care for two-year-olds, its 23 hours of weekly Sure Start care would have been cancelled to save £281,000.

However, following the reaction to an official public consultation, Mr Flewitt said the council had managed to find enough money to support eight hours a week of volunteer-run care.

The building will still be officially closed as a children’s centre, but the Elim Church, a Christian movement, is expected to provide volunteers to work under the Sure Start banner.

Mr Flewitt said: “We will start with eight hours, but that could be expanded to 12 hours if it goes well.”