COUNCIL chiefs have approved the creation of a £250,000 children's centre in Banwell. The decision by North Somerset Council's finance and resources department is part of a Government initiative to improve the future of disadvantaged children. There are

COUNCIL chiefs have approved the creation of a £250,000 children's centre in Banwell. The decision by North Somerset Council's finance and resources department is part of a Government initiative to improve the future of disadvantaged children.There are to be 11 children's centres throughout North Somerset providing a one-stop shop for children and parents.The council recently approved a 25-year lease for Banwell Community Youth Centre in West Street, where the centre, due to open by March 2008, will be based.The district's first children's centre was opened in the grounds of Ashcombe Primary School in Weston last year. Childcare will be available at some centres to make it easier for parents on low incomes to return to work. The scheme aims to build upon the Government Sure Start programme which is designed to encourage childhood development in youngsters aged up to four. Parents and voluntary groups will form partnership boards to have their say in what services they would like to see at the new centres.Further centres are planned in Yatton, Wrington and Winscombe, as well as Milton and Worle, by 2008.