Campaign launched to save Salford nurseries

Parents and staff have launched a campaign against proposals to close all 5 local authority-run nurseries in Salford.Salford City Council says Government cuts to early years funding have left it with a £1.75m shortfall.It is holding a consultation on the proposals and the City Mayor, Paul Dennett, has written to ministers to argue that the funding should be restored.More than 200 people attended a public meeting about the proposals, including council leaders and the Labour MP for Salford and Eccles, Rebecca Long-Bailey. She promised to support the campaign to save the nurseries.

Little Hulton Day Nursery, Winton Day Nursery, Barton Moss Day Nursery, Belvedere Day Nursery and Higher Broughton Day Nursery provide places for more than 300 three- and four-year olds. They employ more than 100 staff.The council says no final decision has been made and it hopes to find a solution through the consultation processes. Campaigners are calling for the consultation to be delayed so they can join the council in lobbying the Government to restore the funding.