I found out this week that Lewisham Council are stopping all childrens' services that take place at Sydenham Hill Community Hall including the very popular Baby Gym on Wednesday mornings.

It seems that the hall is owned by a private company and leased by Lewisham Council. They pay £14,500 per annum for the lease and because of the reduced budget they can't afford to continue past the end of the financial year.

That means the last Baby Gym will be on the 30th March.

Baby gyms will continue in the other locations in the borough, only Sydenham has been cut.

I asked the Area 4 children's office if I was able to find an alternative venue (possibly a church hall) in the area to host baby gym on Wednesday mornings they'd consider continuing the service. The person I spoke to said that they wouldn't rule that out.

They are having a consultation meeting on 30th March at 10am at 109a Randlesdown Road about the future of childrens' services in Lewisham. They are hoping to provice a creche. I plan to attend - would be great to get as many people there as possible to protest about the closure and lobby for Baby Gym to take place at another venue near the original one.

I've also started a facebook page "Save Sydenham Baby Gym" - would be great if as many people as possible could 'like' it and I will keep it updated with news on the campaign.

I've also started a petition online - please do add your signature. Thank you.

http://www.petitionbuzz.com/petitions/sa...hambabygym

The South London Press will be running an article on the closure and our campaign tomorrow - please read it! Thank you.