Parents of Burns Bairns campaign against closure.

Apr 2 2010 by Lisa Boyle, Ayrshire Post (main ed)

PARENTS are fighting to keep their children’s nursery open.

Burns Bairns in Mauchline could face the axe in the latest round of council cuts.

But the determined staff and parents have vowed not to let it happen.

They have started a Facebook campaign and a petition in a bid to persuade councillors to keep the village facility open.

They have already succeeded in having the decision deferred, buying them time to get their campaign off the ground.

They have already received the backing of their MSP Cathy Jamieson.

East Ayrshire Council are proposing to cut £12,000 from Burns Bairns’ budget.

The pre-five service runs every weekday in Mauchline community centre.

Cathy Jamieson blasted the plans.

She said: “I am horrified at what is being proposed here. To cut a successful, highly respected and well used service like the Mauchline Burns Bairns is nothing short of vandalism.

“These are crude cuts, with no thought for the wider impact on the community.

“They don’t seem to have taken account of the cost of job losses, not just for the nursery staff but also those parents who won’t be able to keep their jobs if this service goes.”

Sharon Harkins, administrator for Burns Bairns, explained: “If Burns Bairns shuts down it would mean another 13 children going to the nursery at the school. But there are already 27 children going there, another 13 would be manic.

“It is only registered for 30 children anyway and these plans have not been approved by the Care Commission.

“We rent out the community centre every day. If they take Burns Bairns away then that council facility might not be utilised.

“Burns Bairns is a fantastic organisation and we will do all we can to save it.”

A public meeting is being held tonight (Wednesday) in Mauchline community centre at 8pm. Parents are urging as many people to go along.

To add your support log on to http://tiny.cc/burnsbairns