A mother has pleaded with Angus Council not to axe its “excellent” leisure centre creche services as the local authority prepares to deliver its most stringent budget in 15 years.
Victoria Wylie (36) was speaking as council officials confirmed the services would be examined at a series of meetings on Thursday, which will determine the nature of the spending programme for the next financial year.
Mrs Wylie, who regularly attends fitness classes at Lochside Leisure Centre in Forfar, believes creche closures could have a “devastating” impact on the leisure services as a whole.
She was told last week by staff at the centre who care for her daughters Isobel (3) and six-month-old Eve while she uses the facilities that the future of the creche was in doubt.
She said, “We go the leisure centre all the time it’s at the heart of our existence really. Things will change for us in a big way if it’s shut down.
“Young mothers are always being encouraged to exercise but it’s not easy when you have small children. With the creche at least I have the peace of mind knowing that my children are in a safe place while I go to classes.Exercise”Just this week it’s been in the news that lifestyle factors like lack of exercise can contribute to things like breast cancer.
“Obesity is also an increasing problem in new and expectant mums.”
Mrs Wylie said her older daughter also benefited from regularly visiting the centre and took part in activities specifically designed for children her age.
She added, “These activities have been really good at socialising Isobel and they’re also important for giving mums a little bit of respite, but if there is no creche it’s probably going to be the case that the mums will go elsewhere to private gyms with their own creche facilities perhaps.
The council last night refused to be drawn on which services would be hit hardest in the impending budget.
A spokeswoman said, “Creche facilities are one of the budget proposals and the decision will be taken at the meeting of Angus Council on Thursday.”