A CHARITY which fights child cruelty is shutting down its branch in Ripley because of the "economic environment".

NSPCC will close the Derbyshire Child Protection Team office in Ripley at the end of the year - with six posts becoming redundant.

Peter Liver, divisional director in the Midlands and West, said it will mean "streamlining" of activities.

He said: "Like all businesses and charities in the current economic environment, we are reviewing our activities to ensure we maintain a solid financial position and will need to be extremely prudent about our rate of growth.

"This has led us to challenge ourselves about the most effective use of services, as well as review areas where we currently have more than one service.

"Unfortunately, in the case of Derbyshire this has resulted in some redundancies and streamlining of our activities.

"We remain committed to do our utmost to maintain levels of service for children and young people and minimising disruption to our work with young people as much as possible.

"It is hoped that by transferring one full time practitioner post to the office base in Derby that the NSPCC can continue to work with some children and young people who would have used the service at Ripley for the remainder of the financial year.

"Whilst it is regrettable that this decision has to be made, there is a need to take such difficult decisions.

"As a charity with a minimal amount funding in the area, we rely on working with various organisations to help end abuse.

"Meeting local needs effectively relies on all agencies working together.

"The NSPCC is in a solid financial position and has enjoyed strong growth over the past 10 years.

"We plan to increase spending on services for children and young people in 2009."