FRESH DOUBTS OVER FUTURE OF TREVU SURE START (Julia Goldsworthy)

Julia Goldsworthy <info@juliagoldsworthy.org>

FRESH DOUBTS OVER FUTURE OF TREVU SURE START

August 10, 2009 11:15 AM

Despite claims that the closure of Trevu Sure Start is not a done deal, Cornwall Council have refused to repair the broken down boiler at the centre in Camborne. Without these repairs, Trevu Sure Start will be forced to close as soon as the temperature falls low enough for heating to be required in the autumn.

The news emerged at a public meeting to discuss the issue called by Camborne Town Council and attended by local MP Julia Goldsworthy.

Although Cornwall Council have guaranteed that services will be protected, and moved to an alternative location in Camborne, Julia has condemned the Council's refusal to undertake the repairs - saying that it makes a mockery of their pledge to ensure that local organisations and parents are consulted before any move takes place.

Commenting, Julia said:

"Without the boiler repairs, sadly the closure of the centre is a foregone conclusion. Parents have faced months of uncertainty about the future of the centre - now they are effectively being told by Cornwall Council that the groups they attend will be moved to an unspecified location at an unspecified date. This really isn't good enough.

"If Cornwall Council were serious about listening to the views of parents using the centre, and the wider community, they would take the building off the market, not just take down the for sale sign. And they would also ensure the consultation timescale is realistic enough to allow local organisations and parents to come forward with viable proposals to help keep the centre open. On the current timetable, any group considering basing themselves on the site will have to come up with proposals in the next three weeks, which is completely impractical.

"Parents have made their views very clear - they value the services provided at the centre, and think that they can continue alongside plans to widen access to children's services in the town. The local community have also made it very clear that the building is important to the town's heritage, with many local groups keen to see the community use of the building broadened further still. It's time for Cornwall Council to genuinely show they are listening."