Children's centres in the borough could close as Surrey County Council looks to make savings of £2.7m.

A public consultation is underway on the proposed closure of two centres run by Sure Start, in Claygate and Oxshott.

The consultation is set to close at the end of March and a formal consultation with staff is due to begin in May. The centres could close as early as September 1.

Both centres are for children up to five years old and have been running for six years.

They offer play and early learning activities, advice on healthcare and parenting and family support.

Regional organiser of the GMB trade union Frank Minal said: "These services ensure that children have a good start in life, and without them there will be a massive gap in provision for younger children.

"We are shocked that the council has once again run headlong into the potential closure of vital services for children, which provide care for mums, dads and babies right through to toddler age."

Six other children's centres in the county could close as the council tries to save £2.7m every year in their Early Years and Childcare services.

A county council spokesman said: "With £23.5m being cut from our government funding this year we're having to make some very tough decision.

"And while no final decision has yet been taken we are looking at the possibility of reducing the number of children's centres from 58 to 50, but we remain committed to providing first class children's services and believe this would still be possible should the proposals go ahead."