Croydon’s children’s centres face closure as the council tries to find more than £1m in savings.

The council operates 26 centres in the borough at a cost of £4.6m but needs to reduce this spending to £3.5m.

It is proposing to launch a consultation period with parents to see how this saving can be achieved.

Some centres could be merged while others may face closure.

The council is also looking at keeping the same number of centres but running them in “a new way”, possibly with more input from parents.

But it is unclear what impact on the services the centres offer, such as getting kids ready for school, improving parenting skills and promoting healthy life choices, this will have.

An option to keep the status quo has been offered, but in reality is unlikely to be pursued due to the financial restraints.

And a fourth open ended option is available based on suggestions that arise from the consultation.

Councillor Tim Pollard, cabinet member for children, young people and learners, said: “These centres offer an important service to the families of young children in the borough.

“However in these challenging financial times we have to ensure that our resources are focused on those people who most need our help and support.”