THREE Preston playgroups are to be axed as social services chiefs look to modernise their support for young children.

Nurseries at St Jude's in St George's Road, Deepdale, Brookfield in Crowsdale Avenue, Ribbleton, and St Joseph's in Skeffington Road, also in Ribbleton, will close in April with youngsters being offered alternative places.

The decision, taken behind closed doors last week and confirmed to the Citizen yesterday, comes months after several other nurseries in the town were cut. The money saved will be used to establish family support centres which, rather than catering for children en masse, will have its resources channelled at families identified as being in need.

Family centre workers will also be employed to provide respite care and provide help to people running support groups.

As well as helping the youngsters who currently use the day nurseries, parents with children who suffer mental illness, substance abuse or domestic violence problems will be supported until they reach the age of 18 years. Teenage parents and parents of teenagers with behavioural problems will also receive help, as will families from ethnic minority.

It is hoped the scheme will reduce the number of children needing to go into care by tackling problems before they get out of hand.