Councillor hits out over planned nursery closures

CLOSING small nurseries is only going to worsen the region’s depopulation problem, a councillor has warned. The ever-declining number of people living in the region is causing concern and has prompted the local authority to take action to try and encourage the next generation to remain here – and attract others to set up home here. New research has found various factors behind depopulation, however the chronic shortage of houses – coupled with rising property prices – are primary reasons. However, Stranraer and the Rhins Councillor Richard Marsh underlined that fewer educational facilities for kids will make it even harder to prevent the worrying population trend. The Novantae group member hit out after the council agreed budget plans last month to close a select few small nurseries to save money. Speaking at last week’s full council meeting, Councillor Marsh referenced the research work commissioned by the council on tackling depopulation. Councillor Marsh said: “It starts by saying we need to adopt a stronger focus on addressing depopulation. I couldn’t agree more. “I feel currently that some of our council policies, particularly some of the budget decisions that we have taken, are completely opposed and counter-intuitive to what this paper is suggesting we do. “I think some of the piece-meal decisions that other groups have taken, particularly for example at budget time, your closure of small nurseries. This goes completely against what is being suggested that we do in this paper for a small saving of £180,000. “The long-term and particularly damaging effects of taking a decision like that is clearly going to add to the depopulation of a region. “It states on page 323: ‘To sustain rural populations, young people and families are obviously critical to this demographic. Access to services, resources and opportunities, such as educational and employment opportunities, housing, health services and social infrastructure are all paramount in reversing this trend.’” The council commissioned the detailed study into the reasons why the region’s population has dropped from around 149,490 10 years ago to 145,860 in 2024. The population is forecasted to decline further to around 143,000 by 2032.

In addition to the overall numbers dropping, there is a demographic shift with an ageing population. Funding was obtained from the Scottish Government to research and tackle depopulation across the region, and another £60,000 is available to further progress this work. Earlier this month, the council had initiated plans to close five small nurseries from August and move children to nearby early education settings elsewhere. However, these proposals were quickly halted because proper consultations had not been carried out. The five affected nurseries are: Collin Primary School Nursery, Creetown Primary School Nursery, Drummore Primary School Nursery, Kirkcowan Primary School Nursery, and St Teresa’s RC Primary School Nursery. The closures will not be going ahead in August. Instead, proper formal consultations with take place with parents and staff before any plans are formulated.