It's not just the schools under threat

The well-publicised threat, and subsequent climbdown, of extensive school closures by the LibDem/SNP administration now running Edinburgh City Council has been widely publicised. However, not as much publicity has been given to the other cuts in council services which the new council has also proposed, and I think it's time more people knew about these as well.

Today, I visited (see above) one of the projects under threat, the Stepping Stones (North Edinburgh) project. This is based in Granton, with a centre in Muirhouse as well. I've visited their activities on a number of occasions, and I've found them very impressive.

But now as a result of the council cutbacks there's a big threat to the future of much of their work. They've been told they face potential removal by the Council of the funding for their work with the under 3s, their ante natal services, and their family support services. If their worst fears become a reality, they could lose more than £90,000 - more than 40% of their annual budget of £220,000.

This threat is not surprisingly causing real worries to the staff and the mothers and families with whom they work. I'm told they will hear more about the likely cuts in the next week or so.

I hope these projects do survive, as it would certainly a big blow to the community if these activities were forced to close. I've told Stepping Stones I will certainly support them in any campaign they mount to save these important services they provide for young parents, and the children who benefit as a result.