COUNCIL bosses insist they will be able to reach out to more people de - spite plans to cut the number of children’s centres across the county.

Under the proposals, 37 Sure Start children’s centres in Essex will be - come just 12 full-time family centres by March 2017.

Essex County Council is proposing one full-time site in each borough, opening for 50 hours per week, which aim to offer a range of services for youngsters from birth to 19 under one roof.

The other 25 Sure Start centres, including Brentwood’s Cherry Tree and Sunshine centres, could become part- time “delivery sites” instead.

During a public consultation over the proposals, one Brentwood parent said: “‘I don’t think so many should be closed.

“Queues for babies’ services at the Brentwood hubs are already long and I haven’t been able to join any groups as they are all fully booked, and I’ve been on the waiting list a year.

“My baby is nearly one so he has missed out, and your plans will make these resources even more limited.”

But Dick Madden, Tory councillor responsible for adults and children, insists the authority will be able to support more families under the new system.

He said: “This has been going on for two years, and we have been listening to what people want and are creating a system that engages all services. It’s like a building without walls.”