FURTHER views are being sought on plans to restructure children's centres.

Shropshire Council has proposed to cut the number of buildings delivering Children's Centre services from 26 to six buildings.

The buildings no longer used for these services are not proposed for closure.

Nick Bardsley, Shropshire Council’s cabinet member for children’s services and education, said: “The proposed new delivery model for Early Help services across the county will provide whole family support, dealing with all the issues a family faces, with their full involvement and consent.

"The principle of delivering these services through bases or hubs was generally well received during the first consultation but now we want to know people’s views about these more detailed proposals, and about the proposed locations of the six hubs, and I urge them to let us know what they think.

“We want to provide support to children and families who are most in need of our help, quickly and in the right way. We also currently spend an awful lot of money on a lot of buildings, some of which are only used for a very small part of the week.

"We think it’d far better to focus our resources on providing services for those who need our help, rather than paying for buildings.”

Earlier this year the council consulted with parents, stakeholders and staff to hear their views on proposals to restructure Early Help services and the concept of family hubs.

Family hubs are venues for delivering services to children and young people aged 0-25 with a focus on working with the most vulnerable families.

The views gathered have helped to shape the proposals for the second phase of the consultation.

Children’s Centre services would continue to be provided from the six new hubs, and through local community venues and home visits.

Under the proposals services provided by Shropshire Council’s partners will also continue, including midwifery services, health visitor services and services for vulnerable and disadvantaged children, especially those with special needs.

Shropshire Council does not intend to close the 20 unneeded buildings but anticipates that they would be used by other organisations providing services for children and families.

Shropshire Council proposes to deliver children's centre services from The Centre in Oswestry; Richmond House in Shrewsbury; Crowmoor Centre in Shrewsbury and Rockspring Centre in Ludlow

Buildings in Whitchurch and Bridgnorth, yet to be decided on, would also be used.

Children’s Centre services would also be provided from local community venues and by home visits.

Services provided by council partners will also continue. These include midwifery services, the 0-19 public health nursing service and services for vulnerable and disadvantaged children, including those with special needs.

For more information on consultation runs until July 12, visit www.shropshire.gov.uk/get-involved/early-help-family-hubs-strategy.