IT COMES to something when the fate of a vital service for hundreds of children comes down to a TV show.

While in the past individuals have competed for cash in front of the cameras in shows such as Who Wants to be a Millionaire, the government’s relentless austerity measures has seen a squeeze on charities and organisations to such an extent they need to effectively beg for help on national TV.

It is obvious from speaking to those who use it how the Dovecote centre makes a huge difference in Blackbird Leys.

It allows single mothers to work while their children get quality care, it offers the children the chance to learn and a place to make friends and feel part of a community.

It does so much good, but it cannot secure enough funding as so many other organisations – all as worthy – are approaching its regular donors for support too.

As such the centre’s slice of the pie is growing ever smaller, The planned closure of the county’s children’s centre will simply exacerbate this further.

The Dovecote Centre should never have to plead for votes on a TV show to ensure its survival but given we have reached this embarrassing position, we must make sure it gets enough backing to stay open.