READERS have reacted to the news of a city college planning to close its three on-site nurseries, putting jobs at risk.

Heart of Worcestershire College is set to shut the two nurseries at its campus in Deansway, Worcester, as well as the childcare facility at its Bromsgrove site.

At the Worcester campus there is one nursery at the St Wulstans Building and one at the All Saints Building, offering places to children of students, staff and the general public.

Readers commented on the news on the Facebook page of the Worcester News.

Jes Louise Ross said: “It’s a very stressful time for students trying to find more convenient and flexible nursery half way through the year in the middle of a pandemic while still studying.”

Ros Gowers said: “Dreadful decision for students - likely to mainly affect women on minimum incomes too.”

Claire Bulman said: How sad. Both my boys went to these nurseries so I could study towards a university degree. They are 10 and 12 now and still remember attending with happy memories. The nursery workers were the kindest ladies, such a shame.”

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Tom Piotrowski said: “This is so disappointing. I’ll never forget the fire alarm tests as a student at HOW.

“All the babies from the nursery being wheeled out into the car park at the back and staff calming them down expertly.

“I’m worried about those HOW staff members relying on this support.

“Caring for each other ought to be a priority in our society and not an afterthought or an expendable cost.”

A spokesman for the college said: “Sadly, like many other organisations, Heart of Worcestershire College has been adversely affected by the coronavirus pandemic, and when the financial impact caused by Covid-19 is considered, alongside the continued underfunding of the further education sector – a situation which has been ongoing for many years.

"It has put us in a position where we are no longer able to provide some services, and instead need to focus the limited funding we receive on our core business of delivering learning and supporting our learners to progress and succeed.”

The spokesman added that the college is “currently in consultation” with staff working at the nurseries under threat and will “continue to support staff and users."