PARENTS are calling for support to save a Linwood nursery after plans were announced to shut the “lifeline” service.

The Three Bears Nursery is set to close in March after the lease was not renewed by owners.

There is concern that parents will not be able to find another suitable childcare facility in the area as the nursery is said to be the only one which offers longer opening hours.

Worried mum Kirsty Easton said: “My daughter has been attending Three Bears for three years. It is the only nursery in our area that provides childcare from 7.30am to 6pm and many working families rely on childcare to be able to work full-time.

“Without this, many families may need to give up work or reduce working hours.”

After months of talks about the lease not being renewed, it was hoped that Linwood Community Development Trust (LCDT) would step in to take over the building.

However, these plans did not come to fruition.

LCDT said in an online statement: “We regret to hear the news that the Three Bears Nursery will close on March 2.

“It was with much disappointment that LCDT was unable to pursue the purchase of the Three Bears Nursery.

“The priority was always to preserve and enhance the Three Bears nursery for children, parents and staff. A credible proposal was put forward but it was rejected by Renfrewshire Council.”

Around 1,000 people have signed a petition in a bid to save the nursery. Campaigners will also stage a public meeting at the Tweedie Hall, in Linwood, at 7pm on Monday, November 27.

A council spokeswoman said: “We have been notified by the owner of the Three Bears Nursery that it will close in March.

“The council is looking at how it can support parents to access alternative nursery provision.”

The nursery did not wish to comment when approached by The Gazette.