TWO "lifeline" children's centres in East Surrey could be closed as part of money-saving plans being considered by Surrey County Council.
The cash-strapped authority plans to formally consult soon on shutting a handful of centres across the county.
Among those where the axe could fall are the Steppingstones Children's Centre in Ifold Road, Earlswood, and the Hurst Green and Holland Children's Centre in Wolfs Wood.
The centres offer everything from toddlers' play sessions and post-natal support to baby massage and parenting skills courses.
Parents' protests are mounting following the news. An online petition to save the Earlswood site had 352 names by Tuesday lunchtime.
Petition organiser Chevonne Maguire-Carter said: "We can't lose this service. It is a lifeline and would leave a massive hole in the community if it closes. It's a fantastic centre offering wonderful services and support."
Mum-of-two Sarah Sproston added: "We understand the council's budget is strained but this centre is a vital part of Earlswood.
"It offers a wide range of services, and is also a good place for parents to make new friends."
Meanwhile a petition to save the Hurst Green centre has attracted 157 names so far.
Its compiler, mother-of-four Hannah Reeve, said: "Parents are in shock about this and feel strongly that it should be saved.
"There's nothing else like this around here. Many parents rely on this centre and would probably be just stuck indoors without it. My two-year-old daughter was very clingy but she has grown in confidence at the centre."
In response, Surrey County Council spokesman Andy Robinson said: "With £23.5 million being cut from our government funding this year we are having to make some very tough decisions. And while no final decision has yet been taken we are looking at the possibility of reducing the number of children's centres from 58 to 50, but we remain committed to providing first-class children's services and believe this would still be possible should the proposals go ahead."
The eight potentially at-risk children centre's are Dittons Sure Start Children's Centre; Claygate and Oxshott Sure Start Children's Centre; Mytchett Sure Start Children's Centre; Elstead & Villages Sure Start Children's Centre; Hurst Green & Holland Sure Start Children's Centre; Meadow Sure Start Children's Centre, Stoneleigh; Stepping Stones Sure Start Children's Centre, Earlswood; and Ashtead Sure Start Children's Centre.
Formal public consultation on the plans is not due to start until May, after the General Election.
No date has been set for any potential closures, he added.
