I rise to present a petition submitted by my constituents in Deal and Walmer, who are concerned by the potential closure of children’s services at Blossom Children’s Centre in Walmer by Kent County Council. The petition, led by Heidi Taylor and Michaela Barnes, has attracted around 1,000 signatures.
Children’s services and family hubs have a vital role in our community. Kent County Council has received extra funding from the Government for family hubs. Families have greatly benefited from Blossom, including post-natal and breastfeeding support, as well as its popular sensory room. The petition states:
“The petitioners therefore urge the Government to encourage Kent County Council to ensure the vital importance of Blossom Children Centre is recognised and the provision of Children’s services in Deal and Walmer continues to be fully supported.
And the petitioners remain, etc.”
Following is the full text of the petition:
[The petition of the residents of the constituency of Dover and Deal,
Declares that children's centres have a vital role in the community and that the provision of children and family hub services should continue to be provided in Deal and Walmer and further that Blossom Children’s Centre should be retained in recognition of its post-natal and breastfeeding support as well as its sensory room.
The petitioners therefore urge the Government to encourage Kent County Council to ensure the vital importance of Blossom Children’s Centre is recognised and the provision of Children’s services in Deal and Walmer continues to be fully supported.
And the petitioners remain, etc.]
[P002820]