A family centre working with needy children and families in York could be closed in a money-saving move by City of York Council.

One of three council-run family centres, including Holgate Family Centre pictured above, may have to be close as part of a cost-cutting exercise

Staff were told one of the three council-run centres, based in Holgate, Heworth and Clifton and helping about 100 families, was being considered for closure.

The move is expected to mean nine full-time workers and a manager would lose their jobs. It is not yet known which centre would be affected.

Workers claim it would have a huge effect on services including support for families and youngsters who are moved to foster care, work to keep families together and help for teenage mothers.

The Evening Press reported last week that Labour Party chiefs were considering a closure in an effort to make up a £4.7 million budget shortfall.

A spokesman for the family centre in Holgate said today: "The effect on the level of service that can be provided will be devastating.

"These cuts will severely affect the most vulnerable members of our community.

"The council talk about choice yet offers none to the people that they represent. Cutting services now will inevitably mean greater costs in the future. Where will these cuts stop?"

The spokesman said cuts would lead to an increase in child neglect and abuse, growing problems with crime and anti-social behaviour and isolation for needy families unable to get support.

Cost-cutting now would lead to increased spending later as problems were not nipped in the bud and were allowed to grow, he said.

Peter Household, convenor of the York branch of public service union Unison, said: "If this proposal has been made we will campaign vigorously against it. Family centres offer a valuable service and we have every intention of defending it."

Bob Towner, the council's director of community services Bob Towner, said: "The social services committee will consider a range of savings and growth proposals on February 7 and the possible reduction of family centre support is included.

"With this in mind, the council as an employer has no alternative but to let the staff who are potentially affected know so they are made aware of the situation as far in advance as possible.

"Approximately 40 staff were informed last Friday that some of them may receive a precautionary redundancy notice following the committee meeting."

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