RESIDENTS are urged to have their say on the future of children’s centres in Essex.

A consultation reviewing which centres remain open and for what hours ends at midnight tonight.

Of the current 85 centres in the county, 11 are proposed to be closed and 37 to have a reduction in service levels.

A report to senior Essex county councillors is due in January, but the plans have already faces dissent from opposition councillors.

Dick Madden, county councillor for families and children, said: “I want to encourage those who value the services children’s centres provide to contribute to the consultation. It is important we gather the views of all those who use our services to ensure the future service caters for local need.”

To have your say visit essex.gov.uk/childrenscentres or e-mail haveyoursay@essex.gov.uk.