Islington Tribune - by PETER GRUNER Published: 4 April 2008
Pass the biscuits… for a very British protest
DOZENS of parents and children sat down for an impromptu protest “picnic” on the steps of Islington Town Hall last night (Thursday) . The demonstration (right) outside a full meeting of Islington council was against the plan to close Andover nursery in Seven Sisters Road, Finsbury Park.
Fifty parents are being offered alternative nursery places for their children but many are being expected to travel to far corners of the borough.
The parents claim there has been little consultation.
Islington want to replace the Andover nursery with alternative leisure facilities and are providing a new children’s centre at Hornsey Road.
The demonstration was joined by members of Unison who face a threat to their jobs in the event of no relocation.
The nursery, due to close in September, also cares for and educates children with severe and complex needs in a deprived area.
Mother-of-two Stephanie Allison spoke about the plight of the nursery to members of the council. She said: “Why close down a successful nursery in such a deprived area? We ask you to think again.”