Bid to save creches at sports centres

Council officials are to look at a number of options that would allow the facilities to remain open.

The decision follows pressure from councillors and parents who rely on the council-run facilities.

Earlier this year the council said it needed to save money because of Government spending cuts and closing the six creches would save 74,000 a year – which works out as a subsidy of more than 10 a visit.

But creche users said they spent money on activities at the centres, which may be difficult to do if they did not receive childcare.

One creche user told a councillor that she spent 800 a year at one of the leisure centres.

The creches are at East Leeds, Kippax, Rothwell, Aireborough, Pudsey and Scott Hall leisure centres. They were due to close next Friday.

The council's executive member for leisure, Coun Adam Ogilvie, said: "We have discussed this with colleagues and most importantly face to face with some current users of the service, and ideas have been put forward as to how a different form of creche service may be provided.

"We have listened to what everyone has told us and have decided to put the closures on hold until while we explore possible alternative arrangements."

Possible options will now be evaluated and the matter is due to be discussed again at the next meeting of the council's city development scrutiny board on Tuesday, December 7.

Coun Matthew Lobley said it was important to consult parents about possible alternatives,

which could include private operators or a social enterprise

being brought in to run the facilities.

He said: "Officers need to come back with a shopping list of ideas how, with a bit of imagination, these creche facilities could be provided without resorting to simply slashing them."