MORE children’s centres could open across the district as part of an overhaul of provisions.

The Times understands initial proposals have been sent to the Government outlining how resources in smaller towns and villages could link together, with one management committee overseeing them.

North Somerset Council executive member for children’s services, Jeremy Blatchford, has assured the Times this week that no centres will close if the changes come into action.

Cllr Blatchford said: “This is not about centres closing, just the opposite.

“As part of the plans we would like to open more across the district.

“There is a massive problem with people having a hard time – Britain is broke. The children’s centres can help them.

“We are looking to simplify things so the administration is easier to manage.

“We want to centres to reach out into the community and become a friend of the family.

“North Somerset has no intention of removing them.”

Cllr Blatchford told the Times one management committee could run a few centres at the same time, but said no definite timescale for the plans has been set.

He said the change may mean more front office staff at children’s centres rather than back office and added: “It would mean an overhaul of the services and the way they work

“I’m going to have to get more money for this from the Government.”