MEETINGS will be held in Dulverton and Nether Stowey later this month to give people the chance to find out more about proposals to "de-designate" their local children's centres.

Somerset County Council will be hosting the 'Have Your Say' events to give parents, families and any other interested parties the opportunity to discuss the proposals.

People will also be asked to give their views about any extra services they might want to see.

In Dulverton, meetings will take place at All Saints First School on Tuesday, February 25, from 6pm to 7.30pm and on Friday, February 28, from 10am to 11.30am.

The meetings in Nether Stowey will be held in the children's centre on Wednesday, February 26, from 9.30am to 11am and on Friday, February 28, from 6pm to 7.30pm.

A spokesman for Somerset County Council said the de-designation of the two centres would mean "no significant change to the help and support available to parents and families".

The authority maintained existing services would continue to be available in the same buildings, although the de-designation would mean less red tape for the centre staff and the option to expand services.

The authority's lead member for children and families, Cllr Frances Nicholson, said: "The proposals for the centres will mean people will continue to get at least the same support they get now from the same buildings; if anything that support will be increased.

"I hope these meetings lay to rest any concerns that people may have had locally about the services that they, like the council, value so highly."

The council said there were no proposals to close any of the county's children's centres and services would continue to be provided in local communities.