Parents’ fury over nursery move plan

More than 70 written objections about the proposals for the CEVIC have been submitted to East Ayrshire Council’s planning department since the plans were unveiled.

The planning application is for the “development” of an Early Years facility in Catrine’s Ballochmyle Street and will involve the “alteration” of the existing Community Education and Visitors Centre.

The parking area will also be upgraded. However, scores of villagers are furious over the plans and concerned about a possible land sale, if, as expected, the current nursery, in Newton Street, relocates to the new site.

Among the protestors is Susan McConnachie who wrote: “This is the most stupid idea, why spend more money on this building when they are in a perfectly good building at the moment, plenty of parking, play areas, ground to expand the garden, and a safe area for children... or is it already decided to knock down the existing nursery and sell the ground?”

Rachael Alexander is concerned about the traffic implications.

She said: “The nursery is fine where it is. There’s adequate parking, fenced off from the road, it’s big enough and easily accessible.”

Hilary Sharpe is sceptical, saying: “This faculty would be at the other end of the village from where most of the population live.

“How on earth do you expect parents/ carers to walk a child that distance, then most likely have other children to drop of at primary school – which is situated at the other end of the village.

“This would lead to an increase in traffic on a very busy road near a very tight bend.

“Traffic congestion would occur and increase the likelihood of accidents and potential injuries.

“Early years education is increasing in hours, yet the plan is to move into a smaller facility with less outdoor space. So much for promoting outdoor learning and increasing exercise.”

She added: “If the current facilities in Newton Street are no longer suitable the council would be better placed investing in the current primary school and upgrading it to facilitate early years provision as it has an abundance of outdoor space that could be utilised.”

Eve Bunting also expressed concerns about outside space.

She wrote: “The proposed site at the CEVIC has no appropriate space for outside play – the gardens are steeply sloping and it was never the agreed use. It was supposed to be a community space.

“The parking is minimal, and the street will become very congested near a blind bend at Mauchline Road. Less parents will walk due to the distance from the main population centre.

“It’s a very poor alternative to Newton Street.”

Jane Tilley said: “It’s absolutely ridiculous that this is even being considered.

“We are not a well- off community and most parents walk their kids to school.

“Imagine having kids at nursery school and primary school, if both are at completely opposite ends of the village! It just does not make sense to do this.

“Nursery school and primary schools should be combined, if possible.

“If not possible, then leave the nursery school where it is. At least it is accessible to all in its present location.”