UP TO 100 children's centre drop-in sessions will cease to run if council cutbacks go ahead.

East Sussex County Council is proposing to stop the staff-run open to all family groups at the area's 25 children's centres - in towns like Eastbourne, Newhaven, Peacehaven and Lewes.

The plans, to try and save £4.6 million in that part of the budget, will see volunteer groups permitted to host the sessions instead by using the space and equipment free of charge.

While the number of weekly, fortnightly and monthly sessions varies, there can be anywhere between 70 and 100 running across the county in children's centres and other venues each week.

On the week commencing September 25, for example, 100 took place across the county according to the council.

Since local authorities are now responsible for health visits rather than the NHS, the way new parents and babies see specialists will also change.

The number of sessions a health visitor has with new parents and babies will remain the same, and home visits will still be made but most will take place at a children's centre.

The council's consultation report said: "While the county council no longer has the budget to fund these drop-in sessions, we want to offer volunteers and parents the opportunity to run activities from centres if they would like to. The buildings and equipment will still be available, as far as possible, for families to use. We are keen to hear how residents and organisations believe they might be able to use the centres for the benefit of families.”

Councillor Sylvia Tidy, the county council’s lead member children and families, said: "Over the next three years the county council will have to make savings of up to £90 million, meaning less money to spend on services. We need to make sure that we use our limited resources to offer the help and support to those families with the greatest need. While the way we deliver services will change, we are keen to look at how the facilities and equipment might continue to be used by families.”