Wakefield Council to close creche in move to save cash

A childcare facility used by parents whilst they exercise will be closed down in a cost-cutting move.
Thornes Park stadium and leisure centre. Picture courtesy of Google.Thornes Park stadium and leisure centre. Picture courtesy of Google.
Thornes Park stadium and leisure centre. Picture courtesy of Google.

Wakefield Council confirmed today that it would shut down the creche in Thornes Park, in a bid to save cash.

The facility, at Thornes Park stadium and leisure centre, looks after children aged six months to five-years-old so that parents or carers can workout or take part in fitness classes.

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According to the council website, it is currently open between 10am and 11am on Tuesdays and Thursdays and costs £2.05 per child.

Julie Russell, the council’s service director for arts, culture and leisure, said: “As part of the savings identified in the council’s budget, we have been reviewing fees and charges for many services.

"We carried out a consultation with users of creche to see if there was a way the costs could be covered to keep the service running.

“Unfortunately, an increased price and upfront booking policy would not be able to provide the long term security needed to keep the facility open due to low numbers of people that use it.

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"Therefore, we have had to make the difficult decision to close the crèche from the end of May.

“We are continuing to look at providing alternative ways to provide exercise opportunities for parents, such as group family runs, and buggy runs.”

The creche will close on May 31.

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