AN EXASPERATED mother from Trowbridge is set to launch a petition to save the Bradford on Avon Children’s Centre that is set to close next year.

Natashya Sheppard, of Cock Hill, Trowbridge, will look to support from Chippenham MP Michelle Donelan and Trowbridge’s councillors who are attending a meeting at the Bellefield children’s centre on November 19.

The part-time veterinary receptionist and entrepreneur, who is currently on maternity leave, regularly takes her eight-month-old son, Ted, to the centre and is determined to do her bit and prevent its closure.

“When I found out about this a week or so ago I was shocked. It affects a massive amount of people. It is unjust and unfair,” she said.

“Ever since I have been putting together an online petition, trying to get signatures through word of mouth, social media and standing outside local businesses to attract attention.

“Closing the centre down is ludicrous. A child should have access to facilities whether they are deprived or not.

“I feel they are discriminating against the children of Bradford on Avon because it isn’t a ‘priority’ area. They are taking away vital resources.”

Mrs Sheppard can vouch for the centre’s importance as it provided invaluable support when Ted was suffering with suspected meningitis in April at the age of seven weeks.

“The weekly clinic was a huge support to me and my husband by providing reassurance, offering me advice and emotional support. It was a very traumatic time having your young baby in hospital,” she said.

Mrs Sheppard heralded the centre for its courses, including baby massage, first aid, parenting and caring for Ted in the free crèche – a matter she believed the alternative sites of the Hub and the town library couldn’t replicate.

“They aren’t suitable places. The Hub has a food bank, debt advice and other things, this isn’t appropriate for children,” she said.

“There isn’t enough space and how can they move a sensory room and all the equipment there? I don’t want the children exposed to this.

“It is near a busy road and if you leave a door open there, a toddler can walk out into the road without anybody noticing.

“Wherever you go it will be a big compromise for the host. How can it be accessible for all? These questions haven’t been answered.”

The closure is part of Wiltshire Council’s plans to change the use of 13 children’s centres in the county and re-designate them for child care provision in an effort to save £400,000 from the current £4m budget.

According to Wiltshire Public Health data, 81% of children under five in Bradford on Avon are registered with this particular children’s centre – which is in the top five of Wiltshire’s 30 children’s centres.

In regards to this issue a Wiltshire Council spokesman said: “This topic is due for consideration at a cabinet meeting on December 15 and in the new year the usual tender evaluation process will take place with the new contracts due to start on July 1, 2016.”

To sign her petition, visit https://you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/prevent-the-closure-of-children-centre-s-in-bradford-on-avon