Parents fear they will be left high and dry when nursery shuts
It’s the only facility offering such flexible hours, says mum
Worried parents and carers are desperately trying to save their children’s ‘lifeline’ nursery after it was earmarked for closure.
Messages about the death knell plans for the 3 Bears Nursery in Linwood were sent to parents by email last week.
Staff have told the Express the doors will close on March 2 next year.
Parents are angry about the move and say they are worried that they will not be able to find another suitable childcare facility.
Mum Kirsty Easton said: “I burst out crying on the bus when I got the message about the 3 Bears. It’s just awful.
“The majority of us will be left completely stuck for childcare. None of us know what to do.”
While there are other nurseries in the area, parents say 3 Bears is the only nursery with longer opening hours, providing a vital service that most would be lost without.
Mum Ami Reynolds explained: “3 Bears is the only local nursery opened from 7.30am till 6pm.
“I work full-time in Hillington, so I rely heavily on the more flexible hours, and the staff are lovely.”
Ami’s daughter turns three in a few months and has been attending 3 bears since she was a baby.
She added: “I’d say the vast majority of mums and dads with kids in this nursery work, so we are all in the same position. It’s terrible.
“I’ve started to look for alternative options, as have other parents, but there’s nothing as affordable and flexible near Linwood.
“This is impacting people financially too.”
Kirsty and Ami said there had been ‘talk of the lease not being renewed’ a couple of moths ago, with Linwood Community Development Trust hoping to step in and take over.
But this decision has been knocked back, leaving 3 Bears staff, children and parents in the lurch.
Kirsty added: “We thought Linwood Community Development Trust would be able to take over the lease.
“This has been a real shock to the system.”
A statement from LCDT, posted on its Facebook page, says the team is disappointed with the way things have turned out.
It reads: “It was with much disappointment that LCDT was unable to pursue the purchase of the 3 Bears nursery.
“The priority of LCDT was always to preserve and enhance the 3 Bears nursery for children, parents and staff.
“We have had a number of conversations with parents over the past week.
“This situation is not about a business closing, it’s about the impact this will have on families and on their children’s security, wellbeing and development.
“The turmoil that this is causing and the anxiety in parents could have been, and should have been, avoided.
“The focus now should be safeguarding the children’s future in Linwood and LCDTs proposal remains open as a solution for the future of the 3 Bears nursery.”
A number of mums have gathered to discuss how to go about saving the facility.
Ami set up a petition, which in just one day has gained over 750 signatures, and a Facebook group called Save The Wee Bears has also been created to drum up more support.
“We need answers and action from local councillors, who have the power to take this issue further,” Kirsty said.
Save the Wee Bears is hosting a public meeting on November 27, at 7pm, in Tweedie Hall, Linwood. For more information search ‘Save The Wee Bears’ on Facebook.
The Paisley Daily Express contacted the 3 Bears Nursery on various occasions, but they declined to comment.