A NEW centre to help children in Pendle get the best possible start in life could soon be built in Colne.

SureStart Waterbridge is proposing to build the new centre on the site of Walton Street car park, opposite Colne Parish Church.

It would house activities for hundreds of children and their families every week, from medical experts being on hand, to play groups being organised.

SureStart Waterbridge was set up under the Government's SureStart Initiative, which aims to give children under four, and their families, the best start in life.

The scheme works with a range of groups, including Lancashire County Council's education and social services department, East Lancashire Health Authority, Burnley Healthcare Trust, Pendle Primary Care Group, Homestart Pendle, Walton Lane Nursery School, The Rocking Horse Club, and Pendle Leisure Trust.

The core services would include:

Outreach and home visiting by health visitors

The provision of play, learning and child care facilities

The provision of additional health and advice services geared to improving child health

Support for families and parents, including those with children with special needs

Members of the council's Colne Area Committee are being asked to consider the proposal at their meeting tonight. If they vote in favour, SureStart will be encouraged to submit a planning application.

Pendle Council leader, Coun Alan Davies, said: "Hundreds of children and their parents would use this centre every week. Many of them will spend money in the shops and businesses in the town centre. This influx of children and parents could provide a much-needed boost to trade for town centre businesses.

"Those drivers currently using Walton Street car park could be easily accommodated in the under-used Midgeley Street car park virtually next door."