HEADLEY Down Community Centre could become the new host for a chlidren's centre for the parishes of Headley, Grayshott, Liphook and Bramshott. Hampshire County Council architects are due to examine the building in the coming weeks, and determine its suitability for the task, which would see it become a hub of activity for youngsters. Janet Easton, manager of the centre said: "If it is agreed, the building will require an extension, with a modified layout and entrance. "It would be fantastic if the plans went ahead. "As a small charity, it would be a source of potential long term funding for us and while we know that we are financially secure for the next few years, this scheme could broaden our horizons and make for a very bright future indeed. "It would make us into a much bigger operation, and that is definitely a positive thing for us and for any children who attend activities here. "It would also be good news for parents who live in the area, as we could be the first port of call for any child care problems that they may be encountering." It is yet unclear how much child care the centre will offer – it could be anything up to 10 hours per day. Alternatively, the centre could be made into a graduated children's centre. This would mean it would have no strict obligation in terms of hours of child care that it provided. While the administrative base of the children's centre will be at Headley Down Community Centre, the scheme would involve a co-ordination of services, including the community centres at Headley, Liphook and Grayshott. The scheme is planned to be up and running by April 2008, meaning that building work could start as early as December this year.
