GP's and health professionals across Canterbury have raised a number of concerns over county proposals to close children centres.

announced they have responded to Kent County Council's consultation to close 23 centres.

Centres in Chartham, Hersden, Littlebourne, Herne Bay, Swalecliffe and Faversham are all under threat.

The CCG have warned the closures could result in social care problems and result in safeguarding issues not being picked up early enough.

They also say existing services could be difficult for families to access and that closures don't take plans to expand housing across the district.

Dr David Grice, local GP and NHS Canterbury and Coastal CCG lead for child health, said: “Children’s centres play an important role in supporting parents and helping to nurture young children.

"We appreciate that all public sector services are under increasing financial pressures, but the closure of services will make it more difficult for families who need help to obtain early support.

"This can result in problems increasing and greater costs to the taxpayer in the long-run.

“We will endeavour to work with Kent County Council to try and find an appropriate solution which minimises the impact of any changes for local families.”

To view a copy of NHS Canterbury and Coastal CCG’s consultation response, visit: www.canterburycoastalccg.nhs.uk. For further information on Kent County Council’s children’s centres consultation, visit: www.kent.gov.uk.