WORK has begun on a new centre that will provide a focus for children's services in south west Ipswich.The new children's centre, being built as an extension to Chantry Library, in Hawthorn Drive, Ipswich, will have a staffed reception and full time manager.

WORK has begun on a new centre that will provide a focus for children's services in south west Ipswich.

The new children's centre, being built as an extension to Chantry Library, in Hawthorn Drive, Ipswich, will have a staffed reception and full time manager.

The project, costing £641,000, will also see the existing library get a make-over, gaining a new entrance and new toilets.

The centre will link-up with the nearby Buttons and Bows Playgroup to provide day care for children in Chantry as well as a range of other services including internet access for residents.

Suffolk County councillor Keith Rawlingson, said the centre will be a focus point and meeting place for organisers of children's services in the area.

He said: “I really welcome the provision of children's centres in this part of Ipswich, it's really exciting that it will be sharing the accommodation with a library and it's going to be really interesting to see what sort of things result from it.”

The existing library will be redecorated with modern furniture and the new children's centre will be created in the area that was the library stock unit.

Funding for the centre has come from Suffolk County Council, the Sure Start fund and the Library and Heritage Fund.

The new facilities will take seven months to build and the library will be closed for a week from January 7 for essential building work.

Councillor Patricia O'Brien, responsible for children, schools and young people's services at Suffolk County Council, said: “I understand that life for young families can sometimes be difficult and this children's centre should help a great deal.

“It will be modern and welcoming, and will offer practical help with child care and support plus information.”

What do you think about the new children's centre? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich IP4 1AN or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk.