CHILDCARE centres set up to help low-income families could be closed and moved into schools, in a radical shake-up of council-run services.

Falling attendances at 10 centres prompted Hammersmith and Fulham Council to draw up plans to hand the centres over to outside contractors, in a move to save up to £600,000 a year.

Four centres in Fulham, Hammersmith and Shepherd's Bush are set to close in September - with the buildings being sold off - and the responsibility for six others is likely to be handed over to schools and voluntary organisations.

The Fulham Project will be cleared out of its Lillie Road building and moved to Sir John Lillie Primary School, and the Palace Project in Bishops Avenue, Fulham, will move to Holy Cross School in Basuto Road, with the vacant building used for a new children's centre as part of the regeneration of Bishop's Park.

The Coningham Project, in Coningham Road, Shepherd's Bush, will move to St Stephen's Primary School, in Uxbridge Road, before the building is put on the market. And the Bradmore Project in Bradmore Park Road, Hammersmith, is likely to move to Brackenbury School, in nearby Dalling Road, with the vacant building used in the regeneration of King Street.

A council report, due before cabinet at the end of this month, claims the overhaul is necessary because after-school clubs already being offered in schools have led to a surplus of childcare services.

It said the programme will result in a "more joined-up approach" through which "it is more likely that staff working with children are better informed of the child's immediate needs and circumstances."

It adds: "This model of relocating is expected to make substantial efficiency savings to the local authority over a period of four years."

But critics argue the move is simply a cost-cutting measure, which will not benefit parents struggling to get into employment.

Labour leader, Stephen Cowan, claimed it would add to the burden placed on low-income families by recent increases in childcare charges.

He said: "This is a cut in service, and it's one which follows a long line of cuts in this area.

"Almost everyone agrees that providing affordable, quality childcare, helps those on low incomes stay in work and maintain a job. The fact that the Tories are cutting this service during a recession shows a complete lack of understanding of how to get people into employment."

Children's services leader Antony Lillis said: "The new plans for out-ofhours childcare will have a positive impact on working families across the borough. Parents will benefit from no longer having to choose between childcare and after-school clubs, as this new model means extended services and care will be available under one roof.

"In fact, there will be a range of new and exciting activities on offer, including sports, music, dance, languages and gardening. Another advantage is that fewer young children will have to use the walking bus to get to their after-school club."