I WOULD like to reply to the article Children 'not poor enough'.

Does this mean because I live in the Halliwell (Sure Start) area you are saying my children are poor? I take offence to this and I am sure other residents of Halliwell will as well.

I have received many services from Sure Start; the health visitor and Homestart to name but a few. I have also taken part in some of the courses at Oxford Grove School and the new Sure Start centre.

My children have been in the crche at both buildings and have gained confidence in the friendly professional atmosphere created by the staff. In short both myself and my children have received benefits from Sure Start. I have nothing but praise for them.

In reference to the people of Halliwell not using the toddler groups, when groups have been running for a while and the same people go, the group can become difficult to join, because there tends to be a 'click'. Once the toddler group is advertised within the Halliwell area and it starts again the people of Halliwell will make a big success of it.

As stated in the article, the Government funded project is aimed at Halliwell. I am sure that the parents of Halliwell will embrace Sure Start and make good use of all its services.

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