Fate of "lifeline" Paisley nursery could be decided this week as crunch talks go ahead

dailyrecord.co.uk:

The fate of a “lifeline” Paisley nursery could be decided this week as unions meet with college bosses for crunch talks.Campaigners have been fighting to save the on-campus nursery at the Renfrew Road college for months following the announcement the college planned to scrap it.Politicians, unions, staff, and parents who use the facility are calling for the plans to close the “lifeline” to be reconsidered, and are now meeting with college bosses this week to discuss a counter proposal.Union bosses say nurseries have provided a vital service to their local communities for decades, with some parents hailing the nursery for enabling them to pursue further education.However, West College Scotland has previously said that “difficult decisions” were being considered as the nurseries were currently “loss-making”.Amy McDonald, vice principal of operations at West College Scotland previously said: “These proposals have not been taken lightly and are backed by the college’s Board of Management.“The college sector across Scotland is facing increasing pressure with regards to funding.Don't miss the latest headlines from around Renfrewshire.

Sign up to our newsletters here.“To ensure financial sustainability, West College Scotland is having to consider taking tough decisions now - regarding loss-making services that are not central to our education provision - in order to safeguard jobs and learning over the longer-term.”A protest previously took place outside the Paisley site, with angry parents and staff gathering to show their support.Unions are now calling on WCS to “do the right thing” as the crunch talks prepare to go ahead.Lorcan Mullen, UNISON Scotland’s head of higher and further education, said: “Unison and Unite are