Your readers may have heard already that Surrey County Council is currently trying to push through the closure of 8 Sure Start centres across Surrey, including facilities in Ashtead and Stoneleigh.

Sure Start centres were introduced by the last Labour government to help children get the best possible start in life. These centres provide low-cost pre-school classes and are proven to improve a child’s school performance.  I value the work of Sure Start centres.  I’m sure you will know how your own nearby Centre works for you and your children.

Hundreds of Sure Start centres have been closed under David Cameron, and now the County Council’s spending cuts are going to hit local children hard. I urge the Council to reconsider its plans and keep our centres open.  I am also worried that this could mean further closures in the future, and soon no Sure Start Centre will be safe.

As Labour’s Parliamentary Candidate for Epsom & Ewell, I have launched a petition against the closures on Surrey County Council’s website. Please add your name to this petition, by visiting:  

http://petitions.surreycc.gov.uk/eesurestart.

Only by a massive protest from parents & carers, staff & unions will these closures be challenged.

Please support this campaign

Councillor Sheila Carlson

Labour Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for Epsom & Ewell