Council chiefs are calling for at least one children’s centre in Marlow to stay open.

Proposed changes by Buckinghamshire County Council could see 35 children’s centres around Bucks replaced with nine hubs and see both centres in Marlow – Sandgate and Foxes Piece close.

This means Marlovians using the centres will have to make their way to High Wycombe.

Mayor Jocelyn Towns said: “Many users of Marlow’s children’s centres walk there – they are not car owners and the bus system is erratic.

“We believe this would be a disastrous step for many people and are calling for BCC to support the retention of one centre here.

“The Marlow Centre is a well-attended and valued part of our community and attracts a many residents who are vulnerable. They might be struggling with children, parents with special needs, ill health or isolation, or they might have come from overseas and don’t have any family in the UK to support them.

“We are all very keen to keep the children’s centre and feel strongly it is important to keep the service in Marlow itself.”