PARENTS of babies in Ramsbottom could now have an alternative to travelling miles out of town to attend a children’s centre.

Due to a change in funding levels from the Government in 2014, Bury Council closed six children’s centres in the borough – including Ramsbottom Children’s Centre.

Since then, Ramsbottom councillor Luise Fitzwalter has been working to provide a replacement facility for mums in the town.

After months of talks with the chairman of Bury West and North Children’s Centre Hub and Bury Council, it was announced that a baby stay and playgroup, for babies up to 12 months, will be run in Ramsbottom Civic Hall, in Market Place.

Cllr Fitzwalter, who has been the main driving force behind the move, said: “This is a phenomenally good thing for Ramsbottom.

“It’s the beginning of bringing back universal provision and I shall be campaigning for much more.

“I hope to see children’s centres in Peel Brow, Holcombe Brook and Nuttall Park.

“People don’t want to walk miles, so what we’re trying to do is set up places with regular professional help for mums closer to home.

“You can drop in and these are the kinds of places you will make friends for life – it’s absolutely fantastic for the community.”

Currently parents have to travel four miles to access the nearest children’s centre in Bury.

The baby stay and playgroup will take place weekly on Thursdays from 11am to noon, starting on November 5, and will be open to anyone. The cost is £1.50 per family.