THERE has been an overwhelming response to a Thurrock council consultation about two nurseries it runs in Tilbury.

The future of Little Pirates and Neptune Nurseries has been in doubt as the council considers whether it can continue to provide the service and whether there is a need for it.

Thurrock Nub News broke news of the council's plans in September and highlighted the consultation, which has since had a big response – with almost all respondents praising the nurseries and saying they play a vital role in the local community. In the wake of response the council says it will be looking for a new provider for the service but it will be running it until September next year at least. Fear of a closure in March has now been alleviated. A recent meeting of the council's children's services overview and scrutiny committee was updated on the situation and it chair has welcomed the public response. Cllr Sara Muldowney said: "The nurseries, which are under threat of closure as the ruling Conservative administration struggle to close a £34.4 million budget gap, and would see a loss of over 30 staff and 126 nursery places if they close. "When the news of these cuts were first brought to committee in September, myself and my fellow Labour councillor, Cllr Lee Watson were adamant that we would not vote for them." "In October, we raised further concerns when a report about childcare places in the borough showed that over a third of the borough wouldn't have enough places to match demand next year, including Tilbury St Chads where these two nurseries are in danger of closing. "The proposal was brought to find another provider to run the nurseries, but with a deadline of March 2022 for closure, it seemed unlikely that this could be achieved." "I am glad to hear that due to the objections of Thurrock Labour councillors on the Committee and the overwhelming support from the community to keep these nurseries open, the deadline has now been extended until the summer." "I sincerely hope that new providers can be found who can continue to deliver the same value for money, excellent childcare that Little Pirates and Neptune nursery have provided for generations of local families in Tilbury and the surrounding area."

Among the comments received as part of the consultation residents said:

'The ladies….. make me feel safe, welcome, secure and they are so trusted these are the only people I feel my children are safe around' 'They are fantastic nurseries and my son thrived being there and other family members also have attended as well as friends, also the staff are amazing with the children especially with additional needs as I experienced' 'When I looked for a nursery place for my child Little Pirates offered everything I wanted for her and they came highly recommended, everyone I asked said go see Little Pirates. When I visited the nursery they were the one I liked best, their environment is amazing and the children have so many opportunities. The staff are caring and are so approachable. I felt part of their community immediately' You can read the full consultation report via this link.