A consultation on closing some family hubs across Shropshire has had a “mixed” response, according to a senior councillor.

The six-week discussion was launched at the end of May to look at withdrawing Early Help services for children under five and their families from 20 sites across the county in a bid to save £875,000.

It has included several public information sessions at some of those venues, giving people the chance to speak to Shropshire councillors and officers.

Cllr Nick Bardsley said some had been well attended, while others had not. He continued: “It has been very mixed. I have been to two and I am sure there have been others where nobody or not many people attended. “But then in Wem on Monday it was packed and it was a really energetic and lively event.”

As part of the proposals the centres at Richmond House and Crowmoor, both in Shrewsbury, The Centre in Oswestry and Rockspring Community Centre in Ludlow would be retained, along with centres in Whitchurch and Bridgnorth at locations still to be confirmed.

Services would also be provided from community venues and home visits, and under the proposals could be extended to support children and young people aged up to 19, and up to 25 with disabilities or special educational needs.

But it would mean some redundancies. With just days to go until the consultation closes, Cllr Bardsley is urging people to have their say.

He added: “I have said to everybody, the more people who take part the better.

“If responses come in a week after the closing day then I’m not going to mind, although it would be better if they could meet the deadline.

“And if they would rather write or email instead of using the online survey then that is fine as well.

“This is an open discussion and we welcome new suggestions – it is not just a paper exercise and I am very keen to hear people’s views.

“Not all suggestions will be practical, but with previous consultations we have had some really helpful suggestions.”

Cllr Bardsley said a report with the results of the consultation will be produced in September.

The consultation is available at shropshire.gov.uk/get-involved/early-help-family-hubs-strategy