Polly and local councillor Jack Packman have launched a last ditch effort to save the Millmead Children’s Centre in Margate from closure by Conservative-controlled Kent County Council (KCC).

Polly, who has been campaigning for months to save the centre from closure, reiterated her belief that “the hub is a local asset with deep ties to the community and has been a lifeline for many families. Its loss would be a disaster for people in East Thanet”.

The Labour MP has now written to Minister for Children and Families, Janet Daby MP, in a last-ditch effort to get central government to step in and save the centre.

In her letter to the government, Polly said:

I applaud the Chancellor’s decision to allocate an additional £69 million to increase the capacity of family hubs and I am asking that you protect Millmead family hub from KCC’s unfair and disastrous funding cuts. The Department, and the Government as a whole, have been clear in their commitment to give every child the best start in life. It is beyond disappointing that Conservative-run KCC do not share this commitment, and that is why I am having to reach out to you to step in.

Meanwhile, Labour Councillor Jack Packman has written to Kent County Council’s Cabinet Member for Integrated Children’s Services, Cllr Sue Chandler, to plead with her to reconsider.

In his letter, he said:

I am writing to express my deep disappointment, which is shared by many residents in Dane Valley and the surrounding wards, regarding the recent decision to recommend the closure of the Millmead Family Hub. This decision, as outlined in the paper released today, comes as a shock, especially given the significant feedback provided during the consultation process. As you may recall, in the letter I submitted during the consultation stages, I highlighted the vital role the Family Hub plays in our community, a sentiment echoed by nearly 500 residents who participated in the consultation. It is disheartening to see that this feedback appears to have been disregarded in your recommendation.