Staff at three local community centres have had their contracts renewed.

The founder and chairwoman of the Coalition for the Protection of Children, Sheelagh Cooper, raised concerns in October after the Bermuda Government cut back its funding for the Sandys 360 community centre, which is now out of operation.

At the same time, it was revealed that The Centre in Pembroke was under review, along with the Sandys and St George’s community centres, in light of the Government’s hiring freeze.

Ms Cooper said the budget cuts, especially the loss of free programmes, would affect those who were most vulnerable.

However, all contracts were renewed at the start of the year.

Ms Cooper told The Royal Gazette: “At the Coalition for the Protection of Children we are very pleased to see that Government has decided to renew the contracts for another year for the employees at the three community centres as we recognise that these centres are a critical part of the safety net for primary, middle and senior schoolchildren as a safe haven after school and on weekends.

“While middle- and upper middle-class children’s parents can afford costly after-school activities such as dance, music lessons and various sports lessons, there are many children for whom the free programmes at the community centres are their only activity outside of school.

“These facilities remain a key part of these children’s lives growing up.”

Ms Cooper plans to meet with the directors of the three centres later this month to explore ways in which the Coalition can assist in expanding the programmes.

She also hopes the Coalition can assist in the funding of equipment and supplies.