PARENTS have launched a petition in protest against the proposed closure of a creche at a Malvern leisure centre.

Users of the creche at the Splash in Priory Road were told last week by the centre’s management that it was proposing to shut the facility down by August 9.

The users launched a petition, and on Wednesday, they handed it in to the management, having gathered 177 signatures calling for the creche to be retained.

Mum Kirsty Dunstall, who visits the Splash three times a week to swim and use the gym, said: “Malvern Splash are planning to close their creche facility, giving the parents and carers who use it very little notice.

“The creche is an absolute lifeline to many as without it they would not be able to use the centre’s facilities without this access to affordable childcare.

“It is so important to people’s mental health to be able to get back into exercise knowing that their child is safely looked after.

“I became a member, as did other parents I know, solely because this facility is on offer.

“The creche is a unique facility in the local area and is sadly under-promoted.

“It is no surprise that it is not being used to its full capacity as many local parents and carers do not even know it is there.

“There is very little mention on the website, very little signposting in the building itself and no mention of it in promotional material.

“Many parents and carers, past and present would not be able to access the facilities without the existence of the creche.

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“I believe it has been open for 20 years and the staff provide a fantastic and professional service. Parents can be confident that their child or children are looked after well, are close by and safe.

“It seems madness to dismiss this facility as not viable when no action has been taken to promote it.

“I believe that Perdiswell, also run by Freedom Leisure, have recently opened a creche in response to surveying members and are running three mornings a week and offering a membership that includes use of the creche therefore capturing further revenue from those who join wishing to make use of this facility.

“Surely some action and ideas could be explored before the decision to simply close?”

The Malvern Gazette has contacted Freedom Leisure for comment.

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