Nursery row rumbles on

Nov 21 2008 by Kaiya Marjoribanks, Stirling Observer Friday

CONTROVERSY continues to rage over the future of Fintry Nursery.

Councillors at a recent Stirling Council meeting heard that while technically the nursery was to be considered open, all its 10 pupils were to be “rezoned” and sent elsewhere.

Education officials have insisted the move will safeguard the nursery so that it can easily become operational again once there are more pupils and difficulties with recruiting and retaining staff can be overcome.

However, critics say the plans are merely closure by another name.

Labour councillor Colin O’Brien said he supported the stance taken by Tory group leader Councillor Alistair Berrill in saying it was ludicrous to consider the nursery would still be open if there were no children there.

He added: “We are two of the three councillors representing Fintry and have both made clear to the community that this nursery should not be closed against the wishes of parents and the community, although this would seem to be the clear intention of the present SNP administration, including our colleague Councillor Lambie.’’

Councillor Berrill said: “In the surreal world inhabited by Stirling Council’s SNP administration, it doesn’t count as closure because the building will be retained and just might be reopened at some indeterminate time in the future.”

SNP councillor and children’s services portfolio holder Graham Lambie has denied the administration has any intention of closing the nursery.