The story appeared in Issue 979 on Friday, May 2. THE story stresses that there is concern for the future of Crediton's Children's Centre at Newcombes, as Devon County Council (DCC) begins a public consultation on proposals to re-think the way that Children's Centre services are delivered. DCC says there is no longer a requirement for it to have a specific number of centres, explaining that the funding it allocates could be used "more creatively to deliver services rather than being spent on buildings." The proposal would mean that these services might be delivered through outreach services such as health or adult providers or through local schools and pre-schools. The Crediton Children's Centre supports families with children aged 0-5 years from Crediton and the surrounding area. A meeting, for the Mid Devon area will be held at Cullompton Community Centre on Thursday, May 22 from 2pm to 4pm. Anyone wishing to attend can book a place by contacting Julie Welland on 01392 383000 or email: [email protected]">[email protected] . What do you think about the proposed closure? Please let me know. Contact me at 102 High Street, Crediton or email [email protected]">[email protected]. Readers are also invited to take part in the poll on the Courier website http://www.creditoncouriernewspaper.co.uk">www.creditoncouriernewspaper.co.uk.

What you told us ..........

It would be a good idea to keep it open. They keep closing amenities in the town. Exeter is too far too travel. The Children's Centre is a useful amenity and it should not be closed. Amos and Pam Cranch, Bow

It would be a shame to close it, I used it when my daughter was little. It is very good socially, especially if you don't know anyone else with children, and it gets you out the house. It was also good to be able to borrow the toys and to get advice. Rona Haggerty with Freya, Crediton

It's not good if the money is tied up in expenses like buildings. It is better to use it in the community. Crediton Resident

It is a good thing to have. It would be a shame if they closed it down. The cuts are not good. It would be a shame if the hospital closed. All the closures mean travelling to Exeter. The Stagecoach bus does not go to the hospital in Exeter, you have to catch a second bus from the station. Crediton Resident