‘You will regret it’ - South Shields MP’s message to South Tyneside Council over Stanley’s cuts
The Member of Parliament for South Shields has warned South Tyneside Council that it will “regret” going ahead with cuts to Stanley’s.
The South Shields MP has sent a strong message to South Tyneside Council over proposed cuts to the South Tyneside Accredited Network for Learning in the Early Years (Stanley’s).
Emma Lewell MP joined the Save Our Stanley’s campaign in South Shields town centre on Saturday morning (July 18) to take part in the Stanley’s Stomp.
It was the latest in a series of protests after South Tyneside Council informed staff in June that there is a possibility that all Stanley’s centres across the borough could close - with a staff consultation period due to last until around the end of July.
Ms Lewell has given previously her backing to the campaign and has even raised it in the House of Commons earlier this week.
‘Don’t do this’
Speaking in South Shields’ Market Place ahead of the march, the South Shields MP warned that South Tyneside Council will “regret” going ahead with the proposed cuts and that the borough’s residents will “never forgive” them.
She said: “These are my constituents and my constituents’ children who are going to be left without a service and they will be unable to go to work because there will be nowhere for their children to go.
“Children with SEND are going to end up having to out of borough at a phenomenal cost so what on Earth is this council doing?
“They keep saying it is a discretionary service but children’s futures and people’s jobs is not discretionary.
“The love for Stanley’s is really strong and I get it because it is a high-performing, quality, service and it beggars belief as to why the council think this is where they should be making cuts.
“I think you could ask anyone around here where they think cuts should be made and they definitely wouldn’t say on the backs of children.
“Don’t do this because you will regret it and the people of South Shields, South Tyneside, and me will never forgive you.”