Parents step up campaign to save Newstead Childcare

Newstead Childcare, based on Tilford Road which is run and the building owned by the Pre-School Learning Alliance, has issued a notice saying the facility will close in April as it can’t afford to remain open.

But a group of parents are gaining support in the hope to keep the unit.

“We have over 300 signatures on the petition so far and have gained the support of Gedling councillor Debbie Widdowson and MP Mark Spencer,” said villager and mum of one Maria Harris.

Families were due to attend a meeting with representatives from the Alliance as the Dispatch went to press.

“We are just hoping to find some way to work together to keep it open,” added Maria. “It is much-needed as there is no alternative nearby and there is only one childminder in the village and she is due to go on maternity leave.”

The closure came as a shock to families and community leaders who say if they had known it was in trouble they would have acted sooner.

“Why didn’t they let people know sooner that it was struggling?” asked Coun Widdowson. “We are hoping for some stay of execution if only for six months so we can promote the facility more, drum up business and perhaps get funding from elsewhere.

“This village has a lot of community activism and will work together to find a solution.”