ALL the children displaced by the closure of two Thurrock Council run nurseries in Tilbury look set to find alternative provision, the authority's portfolio holder for children, services told councillors.

Cllr Barry Johnson was speaking in response to a question from Tilbury Riverside and Thurrock Park councillor Allen Amyes at a meeting of the full council.

Cllr Mayes asked: "Can the portfolio holder update me on what the plans are for nursery placements for children who are affected by the closure of the Little Pirates and Neptunes nurseries in Tilbury?"

The announcement of the two closures was made by the council earlier this year, despite a concerted local campaign to keep them open. The news shocked local people and unions, who slammed the closures as unfair on the Tilbury community.

In response to tonight's question, Cllr Johnson told members that 160 children had been attending both nurseries and the council has not yet received information that any of them have been unable to find an alternative placement.

He said: "We have collated a list and have shared this with parents so they can decide where their children can attend.

"62 of the children will go to primary schools in September and there are places available at local schools and pre schools for the others.

"Staff are still on site advising parents and I would remind Cllr Mayes that there is a statutory duty on the council to ensure that each child gets a place.

"We haven't experienced anyone at the moment having experienced a problem with nursery provision."