An opposition councillor has insisted axing creche facilities at Angus Council’s leisure centres would be “short-termism of the worst possible kind” as a group of parents launch a Facebook campaign to secure their future.
SNP councillor Glennis Middleton was speaking after officials confirmed the service will be examined at a series of meetings tomorrow, aimed at determining the nature of the local authority’s budget for the next financial year.
It comes after Forfar mother-of-two Victoria Wylie contacted The Courier to speak of her concerns when she was told by staff at the town’s Lochside Leisure Centre its creche may be a victim of a £9 million savings programme.
Mrs Wylie said the leisure centre was at the “heart” of her family life, as she regularly attended fitness classes while staff cared for her daughters Isobel (3) and six-month-old Eve.
Mrs Middleton last night said creches were “an essential part of the services we offer at leisure centres.”FacebookNow Mrs Wylie, along with friend and fellow gym user, Laura Cameron, have taken to the popular social networking site in an attempt to save the childcare facilities which allow them to attend classes.
Dozens of parents had pledged their support to the cause within hours of the Facebook page being created .
Mrs Cameron’s sons Nairn (2) and nine-month-old Rhuari regularly use the creche.
She said, “The creche is great, because if anything happens with a child or he or she won’t settle, the parents are really close by.
“I can’t imagine it costs the council that much to run, but if it goes there will be a massive knock-on effect.
“As well as the physical side of it, exercise is great for your mental wellbeing and can help combat things like post-natal depression.”
You can join the campaign here.