FAMILY centres across Pembrokeshire are set to close, following a decision by Pembrokeshire County Council’s Cabinet.

Councillor Susan Perkins told a meeting on Monday that “times have changed and things have moved on”.

“Family centres in their old guise are redundant,” she said. “The services that people want and need have changed.”

Six traditional drop-in centre services in Neyland, Haverfordwest, Fishguard, Milford Haven and Pembroke Dock – some of which have already ceased to operate – will close permanently.

The Monkton Family Centre in Pembroke has been spared the axe and its future will be decided following further consultation.

Some of the buildings are already being used by other organisations.

Cabinet leader Cllr Jamie Adams said the services offered by family centres had been replaced by “better, more bespoke, personal services” such as the Flying Start initiative and Team Around the Family.

“Family Centres have been left behind by these changes,” he said.

People currently using the remaining centres will be re-routed towards the new schemes, or advised regarding alternative voluntary provision for social support.