A DECISION to permanently close an Alloa nursery could be made by councillors tomorrow.

A meeting of Clackmannanshire Council on Thursday, June 24, could see agreement on the "permanent discontinuation" of ABC Nursery, which previously closed – temporarily – due to roof problems.

The virtual Kilncraigs chamber will be told that officers are recommending the closure and to declare the Grant Street building "surplus to operational requirements".

The call comes despite the fact that 81 per cent of those engaging with statutory consultation disagreed with the proposal.

In comments submitted for the consultation, one parent said: "The building is an old building, but the council have not spent the money keeping on top of it which would have allowed it to stay open now. Like a lot of buildings belonging to the council, it's going to cost too much to bring up to standard and is being left to rot."

Another added: "It is a shame that over time ABC has got like this rather than being maintained over the years."

A third said: "The nursery was left to rot in my opinion, such an amazing building that was not taken care of."

Some respondents praised the staff at ABC Nursery, saying they provided "the best care" and an "effective service".

Others also said the nursery was in a convenient location and was "a great space".

One person added it was "by far the best nursery in the area which has a fantastic reputation".

Another comment from the consultation, which also involved staff, added: "We were acknowledged as a 'centre of excellence' with visitors from other establishments, local authorities and even countries come to visit us, allowing us to share our way of practice.

"Also gaining 6s [the highest grade possible] in our most recent care inspection."

Council documents say the building should be closed due to its poor condition.

While remedial works had been carried out, the costs to sustain the building are estimated to be around £1,242,000 – not including any works to fit a commercial kitchen, which would be required as part of the 1,140 free hours of early learning and childcare (ELC) expansion as children are entitled to a meal.

Half of those responding to the consultation were from Alloa; however, some families used ABC to purchase additional childcare hours before ELC was expanded more widely in the county.

Council documents said families looking for this provision have several options available at Menstrie, Park, Sauchie and Tulach.

However, one parent responding to the consultation said: "The new large campuses at Menstrie, Redwell etc., are not always the answer. Sometimes, small is better; some of these nurseries do not have the experienced staff that ABC had."

On the other hand, one response was indeed in favour of closure.

It said: "The other facilities within Clackmannanshire are newer, more modern and safer buildings."

In its findings, Education Scotland agreed the proposal "is of clear educational benefit" as there will be "greater choice and flexibility of ELC provision" at other ELC establishments.