We’re sorry they didn’t listen about childcare needs

Published: 16 June, 2011

• AS a parent at Acol Children’s Centre, I am bitterly disappointed by Camden Council’s decision to close this outstanding (as rated by Ofsted) Sure Start facility. 

I’m sorry they didn’t listen to our arguments about the need and demand for childcare in NW6 and NW8, ignored the fact that Acol is third most oversubscribed children’s centre in Camden and that, without Acol, there are only two Sure Starts in the whole of the north west of the borough. 

Alongside parents at Caversham, we were critical of the lack of imagination shown to cut running costs and increase revenue, particularly with the middle-management of the service in the Town Hall. 

This was a poor decision for working parents in our area on low and middle incomes, taken in the face of a wide range of campaigners.

It is heartening to hear Caversham has secured a guarantee of help from Camden in moving to a community-run basis, and that the cabinet agreed to same assistance for Acol. 

Thanks to councillors who pushed hard for this guarantee at scrutiny.

We know there are a number of community organisations in our patch who would be interested in running a community nursery at Acol. 

If Camden has to close our children’s centre in a year’s time, we expect support and assistance (including access to Camden’s People’s Fund) to help us set up a community nursery too. 

PENNY LIECHTI
Solent Road, NW6