Tension is rising as Labour councillors press the Tory-controlled council for honest answers about the failed plans to close three outstanding nurseries.

A special meeting of the Council’s Children Services Scrutiny Commission raised more questions than it answered about who knew about the plans and when.

The initial announcement of the closure plans earlier this year caused outrage among local residents. But the plans were soon quashed after leading Tories disowned the move claiming it was all the fault of Council officers who acted without authority.

Labour Councillor Matthew Patrick raised concerns in the meeting about Tory councillors’ denials of any knowledge of the proposed closures. He emphasises that the public deserves the truth.

Contradictory statements during the meeting suggested that Councillor Margaret Cracknell, responsible for Children’s Services, was informed and had even allowed public consultation on the closures. Labour’s Councillor Sophia Farren believes if any misinformation was intentional, immediate resignations should follow.

The Labour Group is urging the council’s leader to immediately disclose the truth behind the proposed closures, stressing that the community’s trust is at stake. They insist that residents deserve honesty, transparency, and accountability from their representatives without any more delay.