Council leader backs campaign to keep South Street Nursery open

South Street Nursery pupils and headteacher Susan Lawton with Simon Danczuk

The campaign to save an 'outstanding' nursery from closure has won the support of Rochdale’s council leader, Councillor Richard Farnell.

Rochdale Borough Council has proposed closing South Street Nursery in a bid to cut costs.

http://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/99337/campaign-launched-to-save-south-street-nursery

The nursery, which first opened its doors to local children 80 years ago, has been rated ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted for nine years in a row.

Now the leader of the council has said he will recommend that South Street is kept open.

The campaign to keep the nursery open is also backed by Rochdale MP Simon Danczuk, who raised the issue in a House of Commons debate.

http://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/99785/simon-danczuk-takes-rochdale-nursery-campaign-to-parliament

In a letter to Mr Danczuk, Councillor Farnell said: “I will be recommending the Council approves the following option:

“That the South Street Nursery building remains open with Heybrook CP School responsible for running the facility from September 2016. This will enable better links to be established between the Nursery and the local Primary School which will benefit the long-term education of the children.”

Mr Danczuk said: “South Street Nursery is a true Rochdale success story and I am proud to have such an excellent facility in our town.

“Parents and staff are understandably concerned about the future."

The final decision on the future of South Street Nursery will be made later this month.

A public meeting is being held at Wardleworth Community Centre at 4pm on Thursday 7 January so members of the public can show their support for the school.

Mr Danczuk added: "I would urge members of the public to come along on Thursday and show their support for our campaign.”