Last updated 19:42, Thursday, 10 July 2008

TWO children’s centres are preparing to open their doors to families in Aspatria and Silloth.

Refurbishment work on the Aspatria centre, formerly home to the Solway Rural Initiative, in King Street, has finished. A purpose-built Barnardo’s centre near Silloth Primary School has also been completed.

Both centres are now awaiting furniture and equipment.

The work, costing £682,000, began last year.

The centres will offer one-stop-shops for families who currently have to travel to Wigton to get some services.

Hannah Davison, Barnardo’s services co-ordinator for Silloth and Aspatria, said: “It will mean that the services we offer can run more fluidly. We will also be able to run more services.

“At the moment it’s a case of loading the van and going to church halls, then having to pack up again at the end.”

The centres will offer integrated services for families with children under five and it is hoped to welcome the first groups by September.

Children’s charity Barnardo’s was awarded a contract to provide the Allerdale area’s services from this April.

Family learning, training courses for parents, breast-feeding support, healthy eating advice, play development and family support will be at the top of the agenda.

Rooms will also be available for community use.