CAMPAIGNERS have stepped up their fight to save the borough’s last council-run nursery from the axe.

They took to the town centre over the weekend to gather signatures for a petition opposing the proposed closure of Harvey Nursery, in Great Lever.

The children’s centre was rated good with some outstanding features by Ofsted inspectors.

But town hall chiefs have launched a consultation over its future, claiming budget pressures mean they can no longer continue to subsidise its running.

Campaigners say that the nursery is vital for families and that the cost of running it is no more than a ‘drop in the ocean’.

Neil McAllister, chairman of Bolton Trades Council and a Unison branch secretary, said: “What the council claim is running at a deficit we would just say is a cost. It’s £60,000 or £70,000 a year to run it and we think that’s a bargain for such a good-quality nursery. We say that’s a cost — why they call it a deficit, I don’t know.”

He continued: “It’s a high-quality run nursery in an area of very high need that serves a lot of the most vulnerable and poorest families. And with so many different resources under one roof, we think it is a bargain.”

Mr McAllister also questioned the council’s priorities.

“The council has just borrowed £300m to do up the town centre and contrast that with £60,000, it’s nothing. We think the council needs to look at its priorities and if we can’t have a posh town centre and services for the most vulnerable, they should provide services for the most vulnerable.”

Deputy council leader Linda Thomas, said: “Harvey Nursery is a popular, good quality nursery, so the decision to go down this route is regrettable but unavoidable. Each year we have had to find more and more savings within the council, and we are now in the position where our options are running thin. However, I must stress that we are in consultation so no final decision has been made.”