Deal MP Natalie Elphicke last week backed the campaign to ‘Save Blossoms Children’s Centre’ in Parliament. The MP presented a petition raised by campaigning Deal Mums led by Heidi Taylor and Michaela Barnes. Their petition to stop the closure of Blossoms Children’s Centre in Walmer has now reached over 1,000 signatures.
Presenting the petition to Parliament, Natalie Elphicke told the House of Commons about the vital role of Blossoms in Deal children’s services and that children’s services and family hubs in Deal and Walmer need to be “fully supported”. She called for Kent County Council to recognise the vital importance of Blossoms, stating that “Families have greatly benefitted from Blossoms including post-natal and breastfeeding support as well as its popular sensory room.”
Heidi and Michaela met with Natalie at her MP surgery together with Walmer Councillor Chris Vinson and Deal councillor Trevor Bond. Both councillors are also supporting the ‘Save Blossoms’ campaign.
Speaking after the petition was presented –
Michaela Barnes said:
“Since starting this campaign, the support from the community has been absolutely incredible and only goes to demonstrate what we already knew; that this is a vitally important service. For this to have reached Parliament makes all our efforts feel so worthwhile. I hope that Kent County Council will now listen to the views of local parents and careers and keep Blossoms open.”
Heidi Taylor said:
“Speaking on behalf of the parents of Deal and Walmer, we are very grateful with Natalie’s support to help save Blossoms from closure. Presenting our petition to Parliament meant a lot to the community.”
Natalie Elphicke MP said:
“When I met with Heidi and Michaela in my MP surgery I was inspired by their commitment to keep Blossoms open, and the importance of it to so many local Mums and babies. It’s incredible to see the massive support they have received for their petition and their hard work on this vital campaign. I was delighted to be able to present the petition to Parliament on their behalf. I have been in touch with the Kent County Council and I do hope that they think again and keep Blossoms open.”