DUDLEY Council is to scrap plans to close seven children's centres after an overwhelming public backlash.

Council leader, Cllr David Sparks, has this morning confirmed no centres will be shut, reversing a proposal intended to save £2.3m.

Cllr Sparks said the cash would instead be found through savings from within the authority and, although the council may still press ahead with re-structuring of the Sure Start centres, all 20 in Dudley Borough will stay open.

He said: "As leader I have decided there will be no closures in the foreseeable future, the consultation has shown how there is overwhelming local support for these centres.

"There has been a tsunami of popular support which is great to behold."