Campaign success (From Barry And District News)

Campaign success

GIBBONSDOWN Children's Centre has been saved from almost certain closure - and it's all thanks to the Barry and District News.

The vital community facility was under threat after the Vale of Glamorgan Council considered withdrawing its annual £53,000 grant.

But now, following a vigorous campaign the Centre has been given essential cash from the Cymorth fund - money given by the National Assembly to the Vale of Glamorgan Council for community services.

Ecstatic manager Gill Bloom said: "This is absolutely brilliant news. But I honestly don't know whether our campaign would have been so successful if it hadn't been for people like Cllr Rob Curtis and the Barry and District News throwing their weight behind us."

She added: "It's a win-win situation, because there is a strong chance that our future will be financially secure for possibly the next four years, and the Vale of Glamorgan Council doesn't have to budget for us."

Gill stressed the importance of the Centre being saved for the scores of families who rely on its facilities.

She added: "The relief from families, in particular working parents, who rely on us for childcare, and from staff, who thrive on being a part of this unique facility, is obvious from the smiles and comments.

"It was so warming to have such a surge of support, which showed us how important we are to this community. It was worth the worry.

"All through this very stressful period, I have ignored that little voice of doubt at the back of my head.

"I have maintained my belief that we would never allow this centre to be closed.

"I'm so glad to be proven right."