Cuts spell end for subsidised creche

Parents who use the facilities have been told Calderdale cannot continue to subsidise it and is opening a consultation period about its future.

It has been open for 24 years and is now entering a 90-day consulation period about its possible closure but parents are not prepared to give up without a fight.

Vicky Queenan, who takes her 10-month-old son Cameron to the crèche every Friday while she goes to yoga class, said: “The council are saying they can’t afford to subsidise the crèche. I can completely agree if that’s the case but when we pay £2.50 we’re going into the leisure centre to do an activity, which costs another £4.10. Then three of us go for lunch and coffees which adds up to £7.50 for council funds.’’

Parents were warned by letter the service may be withdrawn. It is the only leisure centre in Calderdale to offer a childcare service.

“If we’re meant to be getting mums fit after children, promoting safe childcare and want to get people fit then surely the council has a corporate responsibility to provide this?” said Mrs Queenan.

The mother of 20-month old Alice, Claire Summerskill, added: “I believe it’s so true that a happy and well mum or dad means a happy baby. That’s why its essential that parents are able to get the opportunity for regular exercise.

“Many of my friends have no relatives locally and rely totally on external help.”

She said with better marketing the crèche would increase its appeal and keep going. They have now started campaigning against the closure. To back the campaign contact Vicky at [email protected]

Calderdale Council declined to comment on the closure. Earlier this week members agreed to cuts totalling £28m, though the authority said at the time it was trying to safeguard frontline services as far as it could.