Councillors clash over nursery’s future
Anger as local authority votes to take over Hillview
Council bosses will open talks with Childcare First as they look to take control of a Ferguslie Park nursery facing closure.
Hillview Nur s e ry had announced plans to close in March next year after it was confirmed its funding from the local authority would be reduced and eventually withdrawn.
However, the pre-school is now set to stay open as plans from Councillor Jim Paterson, convener of Education and Children’s Services Policy Board, were voted through last week.
Councillor Paterson said the SNP minority administration was “looking to provide a long-term solution” for the nursery, which would see it maintain its current facilities and staff.
Council leader Iain Nicolson echoed this view and said the local authority wanted to secure the transfer of the service to provide the “best and sustainable future” for Hillview.
He claimed that could be done by putting “the nursery on a stable financial footing operating as a council nursery.”
Opposition Labour councillors were furious at what they felt was elected members ignoring the wishes of parents, who had expressed a wish to see the nursery stay under Childcare First’s control with continued funding from the council.
Councillor Alison Dowling accused the leader of the administration of “presenting alternative facts”.
She said: “It’s been clearly stated that parents want this nursery to continue in its current ownership, service hours and staff.”
Councillor Karen Kennedy, whose ward covers Ferguslie Park, had put forward a motion asking the council to keep the nursery open by continuing its financial support.
This would allow the nursery to continue to be run by non-profit organisation Childcare First.
She said: “This is what the parents want.
“They aren’t interested in the politics of it all. They just want what’s best for their children.
“The SNP make various claims that they listen to what the people of Renfrewshire want.
“This is their opportunity to show that they’re being listened to.”
Councillor Eddie Devine, leader of the Labour group, then fired a warning to elected members who were considering supporting the transfer of the nursery.
“Anyone who supports the SNP on this will suffer,” he said. “You should be ashamed of yourselves for voting against saving Hillview.”
SNP Councillor John McNaughtan hit back saying: “This is being used as a political football by the Labour Party.”
Independent Councillor Paul Mack accused Labour councillors of “shameful” behaviour and said: “You owe the parents an apology for the way you conduct yourselves.”
A total of 20 elected members voted in favour of transferring the nursery to the council, while 13 wanted it to stay under the remit of Childcare First.