An ambitious Borders town has embarked on a massive undertaking to save its local children’s nursery and thereby secure its very future.
The go ahead parents of Duns fear the proposed closure of the town’s Links nursery could threaten the survival of the community and deter families from moving to the picturesque area which has so much to offer.
“Within the catchment area of Duns there is no nursery for the under 2s and limited childcare settings for those aged over two,” said mother of two Nicky Seed.
“Links nursery is the hub for our families to grow and develop and it is currently supporting around 40 families, as well as providing employment to 17 people in our local area.
“We realise this is not child’s play but a group of us has decided to pool our efforts and work together to open Duns Community Nursery in the spring. We are not prepared to see families choosing between working and looking after their children, especially during the current cost of living crisis,” added Mrs Seed.
The parents have gained the support of their local MP John Lamont and Mid-Berwickshire Councillor Mark Rowley, who described the nursery as a “vital piece of infrastructure that is needed to make the area thrive.”
Mr Lamont MP added: “I will be supporting this community initiative as best I can. It is vitally important that families have access to flexible childcare that suits their work needs. I’m working hard to ensure that local people in Duns have the services they need for their families.”
The Links nursery is due to close at the end of March following the owner’s decision to concentrate her business in Edinburgh. It offers places to 35 children, aged 0 to 5 years, five days a week and has been key to a number of families staying in or relocating to Duns.
Sarah Johnston who is a current member of staff at Links nursery said “We as staff are very passionate about our roles and have a superb team who work fantastically together to create a safe, caring and supportive environment for the local children. We are pivotal in many lives and are entwined within the community. Not only are we an important nursery, we also work with care homes, Abundant Borders and A Heart for Duns to name a few.”
“The news of closure has devasted us, but seeing the parents fight to save our nursery has given us hope. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for all you are doing, and thank you to the community for supporting us.”
The campaign group has been working tirelessly since word of the closure surfaced. It has registered as a Community Interest Company (CIC), launched its own website www.dunscommunitynursery.com, established a Facebook group, set up a Just Giving page and is on a fund raising mission.
Its first fundraiser is on Sunday, December 11, at Duns Volunteer Hall from 1100hrs – 1300hrs where there will be a range of different stalls, a visit from Santa at 12 noon and a raffle with a variety of prizes from a Costa hamper, Ibrox stadium tour for four, magnum of champagne and ice bucket, Berwick boat trip tickets and Edinburgh Zoo family tickets and lots more.
This is not the only form of fundraising the group is undertaking having also applied for grants and local business support. The Duns Community Nursery will be not for profit and is also seeking toys and equipment.
“This nursery will make an enormous difference to our community and, while we are totally committed to this project, we realise that enthusiasm alone will not bring it to fruition. We need support and help from a variety of sources to bring this ambitious project in on time. So far we have been fortunate to have the backing of families, local business and the local authority,” said father of two Will
Pate.
“This nursery has to succeed as our community cannot survive without it. The local area is expanding with new homes being built, but with no nursery to support these growing families it could result in families leaving or not coming at all.”
Ends
For any media enquiries please contact: Duns Community Nursery Email: dunsnurserydirectors@gmail.com Website: www.dunscommunitynursery.com JustGiving: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/dunsnursery?utm_term=97A8W87WY Ends
Comments