LOCAL services seem to get squeezed more every day, and this week’s proposals by Wiltshire Council to consider closing childrens centres is a worrying example of that.

Malmesbury’s Children's Centre appears to be one of those most at risk, and that would mean children potentially having to travel outside of the town to receive many of the services currently offered on their doorstep.

The plans are part of a public consultation and it is hoped people in the local community will voice their opinions on the matter with campaigners saying bullishly that nothing is a done deal.

County councillors such as Jon Hubbard have spoken out against the proposals, saying that “we are again seeing the council disguise a way of saving money by claiming it as an improved of services”.

Parents are equally vocal in their opposition to the plans and fear it will spell an end to many of the services their children receive.

The centres are an important community hub and a place of comfort to many parents struggling to deal with the pressures of bringing up a child. The centres offer support and advice for parents alongside the childcare services and this is something that will be sorely missed in the town.

What shape the restructuring will take is unclear, however it needs to be done with care and attention to the people who will be affected by it, or children will be left behind.