Ray of hope for doomed nursery

But hopes are still alive that private operators could come forward to run it as a commercial venture.

The county children and young people's services select committee met to probe a decision by cabinet member Cllr Pat Arculus to shut the nursery at the end of December.

The meeting resulted from a plea by Cllr Morwen Millson, who represents Horsham Riverside, for the decision to be called in for special consideration.

Cllr Millson said there had been a lack of consultation and the way in which the process had been handled resulted in confusion and distress for parents whose children attended the nursery.

After a debate and question-and-answer session lasting nearly two hours, the select committee finally agreed to the cabinet member's decision. It is also recommending that she 'improves the process' throughout the county.

Chairman Cllr Nola Hendon said: "If there is any possibility at all of starting up a similar group, we would support it."

Cllr Arculus said: "If any option comes up, we are open to consider it. We are still open to offers. If anyone says they have a business proposition, we'll help them to develop it."

For the full story, see the West Sussex Gazette issue dated September 10.