Popular children’s activity centres to stay open
Two popular council-run activity centres for children will remain open following a sustainability review, it was revealed today.
It had been feared Astley Burf and Sycamore Green Adventure Centre would close as Dudley Council battled to find £42 million of savings to balance the budget for the coming year.
The authority commissioned external consultants to conduct a viability review after revealing both were being subsidised by the taxpayer.
But the council’s leader, Councillor Patrick Harley, said today the two centres had been spared from the cuts.
The authority is now looking for providers to express an interest in taking over the running of the two centres.
Astley Burf in Stourport-on-Severn is a school camp with facilities for 60 children and accommodation, including a cabin for children with disabilities.
Sycamore Green in Upper Gornal is a registered charity and adventure centre, which offers services including toddler stay and play, go-karts, family play and inclusive play for children with disabilities.
Councillor Patrick Harley, leader of the council, said:
“We are pleased to confirm that both Astley Burf and Sycamore Centre will remain open.
“As part of the council’s new target operating model, we are exploring new and better ways to deliver services.
“For both the facilities we will now be inviting suitably qualified operators to express interest in running them.”