A NEW family hub is set to open at Halesowen Leisure Centre - with alterations set to be made to the building. 

The facility will be a drop-in centre for pregnant mums and parents. 

Dudley's existing family hub network includes five local family hubs at Brierley Hill, Coseley, Dudley, Lye and Stourbridge.

The hubs provide a range of support services including: midwives; health visiting; parenting and baby groups; baby clinics; citizens advice; pre-natal support; signposting to services and groups and family support.

A planning application for the installation of two windows at the leisure centre on Great Cornbow to create the hub, has been given the go-head.

Notes to planners state: "As part of a continuing programme of improvements at Halesowen Leisure Centre, it is proposed to convert a former snooker room into a drop-in centre for young and expectant mothers and would be established as a Family Hub Satellite Centre.

"The room given over faces has no natural light, it is therefore proposed to insert two high-level windows into the end wall."

A report by planners states: "The Leisure Centre has an established use within the Town Centre and its primary use will remain unchanged.

"The introduction of the proposed Family Hub Satellite Centre will improve the facilities available within the premises, thereby supporting the wider function of the premises within the Town Centre."

The local family hubs aim to provide expectant parents and families with children up to the age of 18 (25 with additional needs and/or physical or learning disabilities) with advice, practical support and information, as well as support from other parents.

They offer help to ensure babies, children and young people get the best start and meet their full potential and that parents and carers receive any help they need to raise their families.

The proposal for two new windows at Halesowen Leisure Centre, from Dudley Council, was approved on April 16.