Around 50 adults and children protested to the county council last week against the proposed closure of an Aldenham nursery school.

Wall Hall Nursery, which has beacon status as a recognised centre of excellence, must move from its present site, owned by the University of Hertfordshire and leased by Hertfordshire County Council, because it is being sold for housing.

Radlett parents, upset over the planned closure, want the nursery moved to Newberries Primary School in Radlett, but county council officers have advised councillors against moving it to Radlett because existing nursery places in the village were never totally filled.

The Parents of Wall Hall Nursery School campaign group handed a 200-signature petition to the council at a meeting of councillors, at County Hall in Hertford on Wednesday last week. Parent and governor Michelle Tuck said: "We wanted to show the councillors the support the nursery has and to put our case forward."

The main idea was to put our petition forward, with names and verbally, and that was recognised by councillors at the meeting."The 25 adults and 25 children who gathered for the protest held banners, placards and balloons, and also played musical instruments to bring attention to their concerns. They also sang a song about the nursery, written by one of the mothers.

The nursery, which has 12 pupils from Radlett and two from Borehamwood and Shenley, is due to close in December 2003. Following public consultation, the county council's cabinet is due to make a decision on September 16 this year.

June 26, 2002 15:00