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University allows extra time for talks on nursery closure
CAMPAIGNERS fighting to save a Marylebone nursery from closure have secured a stay of execution.
The University of Westminster angered hundreds of residents, staff and parents – many undergraduates stuggling to juggle studies with childcare – by announcing they could no longer keep the Marylebone Nursery in Luxborough Street open.
The fate of the nursery, and that of a second at the university’s Harrow campus, is now due to be decided in early November after the management extended consultation to October 31.
It is thought a 950-strong petition persuaded managers to reconsider the plans that would see eight staff redundancies and 40 children forced to find other facilities.
The University College Union and Unison oppose the closures. Unison branch secretary Barry Blinko said: “This is a small step in the right direction. The fact that 950 people signed this petition shows the strength of feeling on the issue.
“We welcome the management decision to extend the consultation period but hope they will now pay serious attention to the business plan submitted by nursery staff. We think these nurseries are a viable and important part of the university and the community they serve.
“Closing the two nurseries would only save around £120,000 a year at a time when the university is planning to spend more than £1million on doing up a single reception area.”
The nursery has been run on the site for more than 20 years and with fees from £89 a week, it is one of the most affordable facilities in Marylebone.
Many student parents have said they would be forced to abandon their studies if it closed.
The university announced last month it was considering the closures following an independent report. The two cost around £140,000 a year to run.
A university spokesperson said: “The report into the nurseries concluded that, although run by ‘enthusiastic and deeply caring staff’ further investment will be required soon in addition to the current running costs.
“If the decision to close is upheld, the nursery will close its doors on December 31. Until then, no new children will be registered and places cannot be guaranteed in the winter term for those children already attending.” |
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