Community rallying together to save under threat children's services in West Oxford

On Monday it was announced a High Court challenge against plans to cut funding to more than half of Oxfordshire's children’s centres has been dismissed.

But instead of seeing Elms Road Children's Centre close when funding stops in March 2017, community members have formed a steering group in the hope of starting a new charity.

David Kay, chairman of North Hinksey Parish Council, said parents, parish councillors and staff members of the children centre had come together to come up with an alternative proposal.

He said: "From the point of view of the parish council, we have been determined since we have learned of the cuts to funding, that some form of the services the centre provides continue to run in Botley.

"We are currently in the process of becoming a charity and I am involved because I can advise on all the forms and things the group will need to complete to get that status.

"After that we will be looking at funding of course and applying for grants.

"It will not be a children's centre, but all the activities will run in Botley and will serve Cumnor and West Oxford as well."

Mr Kay said he was "99 per cent sure" the community will have a charity operating services in the area before the end of the year.