Lambeth Council has announced a consultation into the future of our One O'Clock Clubs. In their own words, they 'want local communities to decide which organisations are going to take over the running of the youth and play sites from the Council'.
These clubs are vital to the wellbeing of many young children, parents and carers across the borough, and are enjoyed by thousands (including my own....). They are hugely valued and make a real difference to the quality of children's early years in Lambeth.
I know I'm not alone in worrying that Lambeth plan to use the consultations to justify introducing a cut-price service - using the 'Cooperative Council' idea as cover for a reduction in public provision. This may balance the books in the short term but at what cost to children?
Lambeth have announced the consultation at really short notice and with very little publicity, even at the clubs themselves. It all smells rather fishy - almost as if they don't want people to hear about their plans!
So, if you can, do try to attend one of the consultation meetings. They're running until 18th July - you can see the full list here.
And if you can't make any of them (they're all on weekdays), then write to the Council, your councillors and your MP to ask how you can have your say. For more ideas, check out the thread on Urban75.
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