“Insensitive” comments made by a Bucks County Councillor which branded protests over the potential closure of 35 children’s centres as “hysteria” should not distract campaigners from their fight, Wycombe Labour has said.

Last week, the Bucks Free Press revealed how Wendy Mallen, a Downley county councillor, criticised women in their “expensive cars” using the children’s centres – which are at risk of being axed under proposed changes by the county council – and said money is being “wasted”.

Her comments – which came just one day after dozens of campaigners fighting the plans braved freezing temperatures to make their voices heard by the county council – have provoked anger among Wycombe Labour party members.

But Khalil Ahmed, chair of Wycombe Labour, said the “ill-considered” comments by Cllr Mallen should not divert campaigners from the real issue.

He said: “The comments from councillor Mallen have caused offence and drawn public criticism, but they are a distraction from the fight to save this vital service. Our children’s centres serve as a lifeline to many families and these proposals would leave some of the most vulnerable people in our communities without essential support.

“Labour believes Bucks County Council risks breaching its statutory duties if it goes ahead with the closures. We ask Councillor Whyte to reconsider these plans and are encouraged by the move to postpone the final decision.”

In a letter written by Cllr Warren Whyte, cabinet member for children’s services this week, he said he was “heartened” by the response to their consultation.

He said: “Some of our current early help services, like children’s centres, could do more to support our most vulnerable children and families as early as possible.

“Many of you are concerned about what will happen to them and the support that you access there. To be clear, many of the children’s centre sessions, such as health visitor clinics, post-natal and ante-natal support and parenting classes, will continue through our health partners and the proposed new Early Help service.

“In the future, they may be held in different locations and we are looking at how we can make the best use of other council and community locations if there are better places to reach children and families.

“We know there are lots of groups that already take place in the community supporting and offering family activities. It doesn’t make sense for us to provide these sorts of activities when they are already available.

“I realise that having somewhere to go, something to do can provide a vital lifeline to parents. So I will be looking at how we can better support families to find these activities locally.”

A decision is expected to be made in January.