TILBURY Labour councillor Kairen Raper, has called on Thurrock's Conservative administration to guarantee all current users of the council-run Little Pirates and Neptune nurseries in Tilbury, which are closing, will continue to receive their new provision in their home town.

During last week's full council meeting she questioned Tory education portfolio holder Cllr Barry Johnson on the issue and he fell short of the assurances Cllr Raper sought.

Speaking after the meeting Cllr Raper said: "I am disappointed that the Tories would not guarantee Tilbury's pre-schoolers could continue their early years journey in a Tilbury setting. It is ironic that at a time when we are being encouraged to walk and become more active that Tilbury parents could be forced away from this option.

"Denying Tilbury's youngest the chance to be educated in their hometown is very clear example of 'Levelling Down' from the Tories."

Thurrock Labour's children's services spokesperson Cllr Martin Kerin, added: "Because the Thurrock Tories have mismanaged the finances, we have a deficit of £34m, of which £20m of savings will come from staffing.

"Because children's services has a high head count of staff, it is obvious that these nursery closures are just the thin edge of the wedge. Unfortunately, this is just the start of the axe being taken to children's services.

"I would remind ruling Conservatives that Thurrock's children deserve the best starts in life and that the hard-working staff who serve our youngsters do not deserve to be sacrificed on the altar of Tory financial incompetence."