BOLTON TUC is delighted that the Labour Council has seen sense and decided to to keep the Harvey Nursery open.

We see this as a terrific victory for the parents and staff of Harvey Nursery, as well as the trade unionists and members of the public who supported the campaign to save this priceless asset in Bolton's depleted Early Years provision.

At the same time we are disappointed that there is a suggestion of increasing fees in future.

The measly sum that Harvey is costing is offset by the massive future savings in social and educational terms which every professional knows about. Certainly the Chief Executive, Margaret Asquith, should know this, with her background in Social Services and Education.

Bolton TUC is disappointed that Margaret Asquith sanctioned the proposed closure. And we are concerned that there will be two chief executives on the payroll until March.

Besides the fact that this will cost enough to offset most of the Harvey "deficit" , this wasn't considered necessary with previous chief executives, when there was more money in the coffers. Ms Asquith has given no reason in her short tenure to suggest she has any special ability to merit such a change in custom and practise.

For these reasons we are opposed to paying two very expensive chief executives; we think the new leader will be able to manage as well as previous incumbents without support, and we hope he manages better than some of his recent predecessors.

Tom Hanley

Media Correspondent

Bolton TUC