A CAMPAIGN is under way to save an under-threat nursery.

Staff at Harvey Nursery are said to be heartbroken after learning the popular early years childcare could be axed as a trade union prepares to fight the controversial proposal put forward last week.

Trade union Unison said their members at Harvey Nursery in Great Lever were devastated after being told the popular childcare centre could be axed because it is in the red by £68,000 — and the council cannot afford to subsidise it.

Unison's Bolton branch said the deficit was a 'drop in the ocean'.

Andrea Egan, assistant branch secretary, said: "The staff are absolutely devastated after hearing the news, they were so upset.

"I have been involved in reviews and they are upsetting, but in this case the staff were really heartbroken they were just consoling each other. They are as devastated as the parents.

"This is testament to their dedication to the nursery."

Unison say they will fight the proposals.

Ms Egan said: "The deficit of £68,000 is a drop in the ocean for the council.

"The 12-week handover for the new chief executive — when we will have two chief executives — will cost approx £45,000 which could be redistributed to address the deficit. Do we need two chief executives? Surely the new chief executive should already be competent enough."

She added that the most disadvantaged communities were again being targeted.

Ms Egan said: "The people who need these services the most will again be the ones to feel the squeeze.

"They have a decent childcare facility which they can trust, so in turn they can work, but now they may be forced to pay more for the same provision."

Council say most of the money goes on staffing costs, but Ms Egan argued that should not be used as an excuse to shut the nursery because a Labour-run council should lead by example employing staff who are on decent terms and conditions and are well trained.

She added: "The irony is compared to other council workers, the staff are among the lowest paid."

If the proposals go ahead, the closure would result in the reduction of 20 posts, of which six are currently vacant.

A 30-day consultation is now under way which draws further criticism from the unions who say the consultation of 30 days has been imposed following the council's recent decision to follow the government's statutory on minimum guidelines.

A council spokesman said: “We are currently in a period of formal consultation with parents, staff and union representatives. We welcome their comments and views, and will consider all options before making a final decision at a future meeting of The Cabinet."