Closing children's centres is a 'further blow' to city families

The decision to shut 18 children's centres in Leeds has been described as a "further blow" to the city's early years provision.

- by Alex Grant

Leeds City Council chiefs approved the closure of 18 children's centres - and the sale of a further six nonoperational centres - at an executive board meeting last week, as part of plans to save £2.45 million.

The Labour-run council, which needs to save more than £100m this financial year, said some of the centres were underused because of a falling birth rate. The decision follows the closure and sale of many of the city's Little Owls Nurseries over the past year.