SHORTER opening hours, charging for services, and parents and carers helping to run children's centres are being considered by Harrow Council.

The council runs 13 children’s centres across the borough and is due to open a further three this year, but needs to make savings following a cut in funding.

An event was held at Whitefriars Children’s Centre, in Wealdstone, yesterday, to encourage parents and carers to comment on how to save money.

Portfolio holder for children’s services at Harrow Council, Councillor Mitzi Green, said: “The ideas are not set in stone, but the idea of charging for some services has been suggested in the questionnaire. But we are aware some parents would not be able to afford this, so we would consider this very carefully.

“We are trying to engage parents into helping us keep the children’s centres running efficiently.

“The centre here and others across the borough provide so many services. Antenatal classes, access to the CAB, and things like cookery classes are vital for the community.

“Here you can come along and share food with children from different cultures. It is a worrying time for parents who wonder what will happen to the centres.

“We are committed to keeping them open, but we need advice from parents and carers on what we can to make them more efficient.”

Parent Su Choules has been working as a carer for 14 years and brings four children to the centre every Tuesday.

She said: “We enjoy the different activities available for the children here as we have limited space in our own homes and here there's a much wider area.

“There are lots of things happening in the half-term holidays and it’s good to have it so nearby.

“We would be willing to pay for some services, but overall it depends on what everyone wants.”

Residents can have a say by completing a consultation form, available in children’s centres, libraries and on the council’s website until July 31.