A LIFELINE nursery in one of Scotland's most deprived is under threat.

Not-for-profit organisation Childcare First has operated a nursery in Ferguslie Park, in Paisley, for 30 years.

But despite providing a safe haven for generations of families, Hillview Nursery is now threatened with closure after the council reduced its grant funding as part of a wider restructuring of early years education.

As parents mobilise to help save the nursery, which currently caters for 36 children, one parent summed up the strength of feeling.

He said: "Hillview is part of our lives, they’re not just a service and the idea they’re losing their jobs is absolutely horrifying to us," he said.

"We're a small community so we see them in the street, we meet them in the supermarket, we catch them on the buses. It’s not a case of we drop the kids off and pick them up again.

"They do more than just look after our kids, they help raise them. They have looked after me and my family for the last 10 years."

Claire Caddis, who has two children at the nursery, said she feared she would lose her job if it closes.

She said: "Everyone says its easy to get another space in another nursery, but for my son its a lot harder, because he has very complex issues.

"If the nursery does close I wouldn’t be able to go to my work as people would need a lot of training before they are allowed to look after him."

A petition to save the nursery has been launched by another parent Kayleigh Morrison, which has attracted thousands of signatures.

She said: "This nursery is so vital, not just in Ferguslie, but across Renfrewshire."

"The council do not realise the impact that it will have on the local community by closing it."

Renfrewshire Council highlighted the fact there was sufficient capacity at nurseries elsewhere in the community for all Hillview children, meaning no child would be left without a place.

However, now the council is considering taking over the running of the nursery and will debate a motion on the issue at a council meeting later this month.

The motion, which has been backed by council leader Iain Nicolson and his depute Jim Paterson states: "Council recognises the potential impact the decision will have on the children and families presently using the service at Hillview.

"The council is committed to the continuation of service to the children and families who use Hillview Nursery and agrees to approach Childcare First to secure the transfer of the service to the council."