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21
Jun 2023
Nidd Plus could run services from axed Pateley Bridge children’s centre
A Nidderdale councillor has called for a children’s centre that is closing in Pateley Bridge to be repurposed by community organisation Nidd Plus.
Nidderdale Children’s Centre, based at St Cuthbert’s Primary School in the town, is one of five Sure Start centres North Yorkshire Council will close following a public consultation over spring.
The centre opened in opened September 2010 and was backed by £590,715 of taxpayers’ money but it did not reopen after the pandemic.
The council estimates it will save £13,400 a year in running costs by closing the building and North Yorkshire Council’s Conservative executive met yesterday to rubber-stamp a report that recommended the five closures.
Nidderdale Children's Centre was based at St Cuthbert's school.
However, during the meeting Andrew Murday, the Liberal Democrat councillor for Pateley Bridge and Nidderdale, intervened to tell councillors Nidd Plus has a plan to use the space for “multi-generational” support services.
Nidd Plus currently has a hub in the town which includes a small library, a desk for council and police matters and a tourist information point.
It also provides transport for residents so they can attend support centres outside of Nidderdale.
Cllr Murday said:
The councillor said if Nidd Plus were to take over the space it could offer a much larger library for residents and it would also be able to offer some support services in the town without the need for residents to travel long distances.
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He added:
In response, the council’s corporate director of children and young people’s service, Stuart Carlton, said the council would be “more than happy” to speak with Nidd Plus about the building’s future.
Michael Harrison, the Conservative executive councillor for health and adult services, said the closure of the children’s centre “shouldn’t prevent costed plans coming forward” about the future of the building.
Cllr Harrison added:
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