GOVERNORS at a nursery and children’s centre have threatened to take legal action against Blackburn and Darwen Council over funding cuts.

Members of the governing body claim that Longshaw nursery school and children’s centre in Crosby Road has suffered several funding cuts over the past four years.

They claim services are under threat at the centre because funding for private nursery places, which pays for many of the centre’s other activities, is in doubt.

Sean Rogers, chairman of governors said: “We are now just over 12 weeks into the new financial year and I have absolutely no idea what funding, if any, we will get from the council’s early years’ department to assist us with running our non-nursery school elements at Longshaw.

“This is totally unacceptable and potentially illegal, which is why we have taken independent legal advice from one of the country’s leading education solicitors.”

Parents and governors also complained that the council did not consult with them effectively over plans to restructure children’s centres across the borough, which they fear will lead to the closure of Longshaw.

Community governor Kathryn Waqar-Uddin said: “I feel that this 'consultation' has not been fulfilled correctly. Twelve meetings were held, one at each of the children's centres, except Longshaw. When Longshaw hosted their own, Blackburn with Darwen early years declined to attend.”

Kathryn said the local community valued the centre, and more than 50 people attended the two meetings.

She said: “Longshaw has been graded as outstanding at its last Ofsted inspection. There is a waiting list for places. The centre helps to provide support and assistance to some of the most needy people.”

One parent, who did not wish to be named, spoke out against a reduction in opening hours at the children’s centre from five hours per day to three. He said he would now be forced to rely on his parents for help with childcare.

He said: “It’s ludicrous. The whole point of childcare is to let you continue employment at the same time.”

A council spokesman said: “The opening times for the child care offer at the school will be a matter for the governing body to determine.”