CHILDREN'S Centres could see their opening hours and services cut under the latest savings plans announced by Hounslow Council.
Proposals published this week would see opening hours reduced at four of the borough's 18 centres, where families can access everything from health support to careers advice.
The cuts are part of £18 million in potential savings for 2012/13, which are set to go to public consultation if approved by councillors at next Tuesday's cabinet meeting.
Hounslow Council has already made £18m worth of cuts last year, after a major reduction in central government funding, and plans further savings of £12m in each of the two following years.
A 15 per cent cut to funding for Sure Start Hounslow, which helps young families across the borough, the closure of the council's Consumer Advice Service and a reduction in the number of council meetings are among other proposals for savings in next year's budget.
Council leaders are also considering closing social service centres at The Butts, in Brentford; 78-80 St John's Road, Isleworth; and Ashley House, in Hounslow High Street.
A spokesman said no services would be affected, with facilities moving to the Civic Centre, in Lampton Road, Hounslow, although service users will be consulted.
Council offices in Feltham, Chiswick and Heston, where members of the public can collect welfare payments as well as other facilities, would also close under the proposals, with all services again being relocated to the Civic Centre.
Dozens of jobs are on the line as part of the proposals, mostly those of back office staff, although some front-line posts are likely to go too.
