Kingston’s 11 children’s centres are safe for another year after the council found alternative ways to make savings in their budget.

Liberal Democrat councillors had warned in January that two or three of the centres in less deprived parts of the borough would shut because of cuts in the Government grant.

Instead, the council will cut outreach classes held at the Hook Centre, while the two children’s centres in nearby Buckland Road and Lovelace primary school will remain open.

Councillor Liz Green, executive member for education, denied there had been any pressure from Lib Dem leader Nick Clegg.

While on the campaign trail this week, he told reporters no Lib Dem councils were closing children’s centres.

She said: “The officers came back to me and said for this year we think we can make the same savings of about £200,000 by very small reductions in the way we operate, and therefore not lose any centres.”

She said the council was examining options for next year, when more savings would be needed, and some better-off parents could face higher charges.