Local Guardian News
Parents at children's centre closure petition
7:40am Thursday 16th February 2012
Parents at a Croydon children's centre threatened with closure have started a petition to help save the facility.
Woodlands Children's Centre faces closure as Croydon Council tries to save more than £1m.
Last year it was announced the council needs to reduce the cost of running its 26 centres, from £4.6m to £3.5m.
The centre, which was recently rated outstanding by Ofsted, is based at Gilbert Scott Primary School.
It offers a range of activities for both parents and their under-5s, including baby massage, sing and sign, baking bears and arts and crafts.
Hayley McIlroy has used the centre with all five of her children, and criticised a consultation meeting held in January.
She said: "There was no information at the consultation meeting, everyone thought they would say more than they did.
"We want them to tell us what we can do to stop them making this closure. They need to realise the centre is always busy, it is a fantastic place to go."