Silsden mayor Chris Atkinson has given his support to a children’s centre which was threatened with the axe.

Bradford Council had proposed to withdraw funding from Daisy Chain, and several other children’s centres in the district, as part of its budget cuts. But the centre won a 12-month reprieve following strong opposition.

Coun Atkinson has visited Daisy Chain to see for himself the services offered and spoken with staff about the situation.

“I was pleased to hear that the children’s centre will continue for the next 12 months but I am concerned for the long-term future of this essential service,” he said. “Daisy Chain helps children from Silsden, Steeton and Eastburn and hosts both a health visitor and a midwifery team. It sees nearly 700 children a year and its close proximity to the doctors’ surgery provides a very good working relationship with the health professionals.

“I have concerns over how this facility will be made to change – why change a winning combination?”

He added that Daisy Chain was currently seeking volunteers to work alongside the staff. Visit silsden.net or contact Kim Green on (01535) 618668 or kim.green@bradford.gov.uk for further details.