SWEEPING changes are planned to the way children's centres across the district operate.

The 41 centres would work together in local areas, or clusters.

And a dedicated staff team in each cluster would offer services from a range of venues.

The blueprint would slash an estimated £2.4 million from the cost of running children's centres in 2015-16.

Now a series of events is being staged to give the public the chance to have its say on the proposals.

Last year, plans to withdraw funding from children's centres including Treetops at Haworth and Daisy Chain in Silsden as part of swingeing council cuts sparked outrage and the premises were subsequently given a reprieve.

Under the new system, the two centres would be placed in a cluster with the Highfield, Low Fold and Rainbow facilities.

Michael Jameson, the council's strategic director of children's services, said: "We have carried out extensive consultation with centre staff and users which has given us a clear idea of what people value most from their children's centres.

"With the new proposal, families will benefit from more co-ordinated services at times of greatest need.

"The extra feedback events we have arranged are to explain to the public and to staff how the new model will work and what it will involve.”

Coun Ralph Berry, executive member for children's services, said the needs of the district's families were changing and at the same time funding from central government was being cut.

"This means we need to make changes so that children's centres are able to carry on supporting children and families – particularly those who need it the most," he added.

"Changing a service that is so important to people is never easy, which is why we have carried out such a detailed consultation and listened carefully to those who use or work in children's centres.

"I'd encourage all those who use the centres or have an interest to come along to one of the sessions.”

Three drop-in events are being held in Keighley, at the civic centre in North Street – on Wednesday, August 27, from 6pm to 7.30pm, on Friday, September 19, from 1pm to 2.30pm, and on Wednesday, October 8, 10am to 11.30am.

Visit bradford.gov.uk/health_well-being_and_care/child_care/earlyyears/childrens_centres/childrens_centres for further information.