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Ref: 254/05 26 September 2005
Ellesmere Port And Neston Opens Its Second Children’s Centre
Cheshire’s second Children’s Centre for Ellesmere Port and Neston has officially opened.
Based on the site of the former St Mary’s C of E Primary School, the centre provides facilities for pre-school and school age children as well as a range of family and adult services.
The building was redeveloped and refurbished thanks to some £520,000 in funding from the Government’s Neighbourhood Nursery Initiative and local Sure Start programmes.
Facilities for young children include stay and play groups, childcare, a toy library, Little Splashers swimming group and library services.
Also available are family support services, health services, youth services, parenting classes and services from Connexions and Job Centre Plus.
A range of adult learner courses will be provided in partnership with Neston High School.
Led by Cheshire County Council, the local programmes are co-ordinated by a partnership which includes its Adult and Community Services and Children’s Services as well as local health agencies and parents of young children living in the centre’s catchment area.
County Council Chairman Barrie Hardern, one of the speakers at the opening ceremony, said: “I greatly welcome the opening of Neston Children’s Centre, the second of four to be opened in the Ellesmere Port and Neston district within phase one of the Children’s Centre strategy.
“It offers a full range of services within ‘pram pushing distance’ to give families a positive start during crucial early years development, as well as boosting opportunities and community learning skills.
“This is truly a centre shaped by the local community – thanks to full consultation with parents which has led to the design of a bright and welcoming centre.”
Among the VIPs at the opening were local MP Andrew Miller and Michael Darby, Chair of Neston Children’s Centre and Chair of Ellesmere Port and Neston Primary Care Trust.
Cheshire’s first Children’s Centre, at Stanlaw Abbey in Ellesmere Port, opened earlier this year.
Ends
RN/LJ
Notes To Editors: For more information please contact County Councillor Hardern on 01260 253242 and Sue Sidlow at Ellesmere Port Sure Start on 0151 355 2168.
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