CAMPAIGNERS fighting to try and save their children's centres have received mixed news about their futures.

A family hub open 50 hours per week will now be located at the Berechurch Children's Centre on School Road in Monkwick.

Original plans for the site was to cut the hours from 50 per week to between 20 and 30, and campaigning Colchester councillor Dave Harris (Lab) presented a petition to Essex County Council in a bid to keep it open.

He said: "I'm pleased we have maintained the 50 hours per week because I have always felt it is very important to keep that number, but I am disappointed to be downgraded.

"Myself and some of the residents have been to consultation meetings and felt it was very important to keep the centre, and we shall continue to fight on this issue.

"Being downgraded means the drop-in services which residents have access to now will be much less.

"People can come in a get advice on things like breast feeding and parenting will be reduced and for that I am very disappointed."

Original plans from County Hall would have seen Little Hands Children's Centre close and offer a purely childcare-based facility, but new recommendations which will be put to cabinet will recommend it stays open as a family hub delivery site open for between 20 and 30 hours per week.

Mother and daughter councillors Lesley and Jessica Scott-Boutell (Lib Dem) petitioned for the future to be secured and Lesley said she was incredibly pleased.

She said: "I am absolutely delighted we still have a hub to the west of Colchester.

"I am so pleased all of the points we have given to Essex County Council have been listened to.

"Even though the hours have been cut I am pleased we have a hub here still and I know the manager and the staff will do everything to make sure the service is as good as it can be."

St Anne's and Castle Children's Centre will be open as a family hub delivery site for between 20 and 30 hours per week.

Essex County Council's cabinet members will vote on the proposals on Tuesday.