Fitzrovia nursery rescued from Labour closure

12.00.00am GMT Wed 17th Jan 2007

Camden's Lib Dem-led administration has acted to save the Fitzrovia nursery in Whitfield Street, which was closed under Labour at the end of August 2004. Padlocked and empty since then, it was opened for just one day as a polling station in the May 2006 local elections, in which Labour were voted out of power in Camden.

Locals had feared the Council was planning to sell off the historic site for as much as £4 million -- despite acquiring it on condition it would be "perpetually maintained for public use and recreation."

After refurbishment, Fitzrovia Nursery will reopen for local children

On Monday this week the Lib Dem-led administration acted to reverse Labour's closure of the site. The site will now be leased to Fitzrovia Trust and Westminster Children's Society (who already run Westminster's nurseries) so that the nursery can be refurbished and re-opened. The open space around the nursery building will also be opened for use by 8-12 year olds out of hours -- great news for parents in an area hard pressed for accessible open spaces and play areas for kids!

Commenting on the decision, John Bryant, Liberal Democrat Executive Member for Children said, "I am pleased that this is the decision that local people wanted and that Westminster Children's Society is the organisation which will be involved, as they have a proven track record in providing nurseries in central London."

Janet Grauberg, Liberal Democrat Executive Member for Resources, added: "The closure of Fitzrovia Nursery by the previous Labour administration was another example of their 'we know best' culture. It would have been so easy to sell this site to the highest bidder but local residents were very clear about the need for local services and we have listened and responded. I'm really pleased that the Lib Dem-led administration has now found a way of bringing the nursery back into use in the service of the local community."