Wandsworth council are planning to close the Tooting Triangle children’s centre, a decision which will be taken at a meeting this Thursday evening of the Finance and Corporate Resources Committee.

As local councillors, they have not consulted us on this, and neither have they discussed this with parents or carers who use the centre.

The proposals state that the boxing club and football pitch are going to be run by a sports company, with the inclusion of a community cafe, but the children’s centre is being added to this plan and will lose the stay and play sessions as a result.

The council-run three stay and play sessions every week are hugely popular, and many parents and carers tell us that they are a lifesaver. The staff are fantastic and provide activities, a chance to learn and play and a place for local people from across Tooting Bec and Balham to make friends, support one another and learn about other services and activities. In short, it is a vital community asset which we cannot afford to lose.

The new cafe will not have any provision for 0-2 year olds and won’t have staff to run stay and play sessions.

As ward councillors, we have requested time at the meeting to represent you, but if you’re able to attend, or would like to have your say on this valuable service, please contact Clare at: cllr.c.fraser@wandsworth.gov.uk

In advance of the committee we will also share all your comments with members of the committee so that they can see how vital this provision is.

Thanks, Clare, Hector and Fleur