HOPES that Surrey County Council would not go ahead with cost-cutting proposals to close 31 children’s centres – including Tennyson’s in Haslemere – have been dashed.

Cabinet members have agreed recommendations for a major shake-up of services in the face of objections from many thousands of supporters who had responded to its public consultation.

The changes – due to be implemented by April 1 – will see nine ‘satellite centres’ opened and a single mobile unit deployed for areas and communities who cannot get to a centre.

The new service will be centred around outreach, with staff working more closely with families in their homes.

Surrey leader Tim Oliver was sharply critical of the current model when announcing the cuts. Mr Oliver said: “With children’s centres it’s important to note the service is currently failing those who are most in need. The support isn’t getting to them early enough.

“The service has to be shaped around getting support to these families, many of whom never use the service. Our focus must be on prevention and early intervention wherever possible and the proposed changes mean we can get those services right into the communities and into the homes of the families that need us the most.”

Tennyson’s, which is based at St Bart’s Primary School, has supported 800 vulnerable families living in and around the town over the past nine years.

Manager Rachel Gardiner said: “We are saddened, but not surprised, by the Surrey County Council decision to move ahead with the closure programme. Local people with long memories will recall the children’s centre in Haslemere had a faltering start, but over the years Tennyson’s has established itself as the place for families to go. The children’s centre staff have worked tirelessly to support families in our reach area.

“We regret the insinuation that children’s centres have been working with the ‘wrong families’ and have somehow contributed to the failure of Surrey children’s services. Our work is, and always has been, directed by county council officers. Tennyson’s has consistently met and exceeded its targets and we are very proud of our rating of ‘good’ from Ofsted. We will now focus on working with officers to ensure our most vulnerable families transition seamlessly to the new arrangements.

“We will also be working to ensure any gaps in provision following the closure will not impact our most vulnerable local families.”