More than 12,000 people back calls for South Tyneside Council to reconsider Stanley’s cuts
More than 12,000 people have now backed the petition calling for Stanley’s to be saved.
The Mayor of South Tyneside has revealed that more than 12,100 people have backed calls to save the South Tyneside Accredited Network for Learning in the Early Years (Stanley’s) from proposed closure.
The petition was launched by Hebburn mum-of-one Joanna Taylor after the proposals were leaked on social media in June.
Speaking during the full council meeting on Thursday, July 30, Councillor Stan Wildhirt, Mayor of South Tyneside, stated that the petition calls on South Tyneside Council to do the following:
- Protect Stanley’s centres and the service they provide.
- Engage openly with families, staff and communities.
- Consider the long-term impact on children and families before any decisions are made.
- Explore all possible alternatives to closures or significant reductions in provision.
The Mayor also provided an update on the number of signatures received, which stood at 12,103 in total - with 8,896 coming from borough residents.
The petition was not debated in accordance with the council’s constitutional rules and will be referred to the “appropriate body”.
‘Every child deserves the best start in life’
The Save Our Stanley’s campaign has expressed its disappointment that the Mayor only read out the above points in relation to the petition.
A spokesperson said: “At tonight’s full council meeting we were disappointed that our submission wasn’t approached with the openness and honesty the council purports to put at the forefront of all they do.
“We submitted and asked for the following statement to be read alongside the submission of our petition:
“We are deeply concerned by proposals to close all 10 Stanley’s centres (formerly Sure Start) by July 2027.
“These centres are a lifeline for families across South Tyneside, providing early years education, family support, advice, community connections and safe spaces where children can learn and thrive.
“Any reduction in these services would have a significant impact on families across the borough, particularly those who rely on accessible local support during the earliest years of a child’s life.
“Every child deserves the best start in life. Every family deserves access to support in their community.”
You can view the Save Our Stanley’s petition at: https://www.change.org/p/save-our-stanley-s.