PARENTS concerned about the future of a Blackwood nursery which caters for disabled children will get the chance to air their views to Caerphilly council, after the authority’s cabinet member agreed to meet with them.

The Argus reported that parents were angry about Caerphilly council plans to close Wooden Spoon Nursery, which is part of Blackwood Resource Centre on Lillian Road.

The nursery provides free specialised care for around 25 children from birth up to the age of three and a half, with conditions ranging from spina bifida to autism, and employs three part time members of staff.

Many parents said it provides vital support for children before they go into the mainstream system, but Caerphilly council said its closure plan was part of proposals to improve its services for children with disabilities.

Following the Argus report, Blackwood ward member Nigel Dix and parent Elicia Taylour – whose three-year-old son Bailey attends Wooden Spoon – met officers at the council, and cabinet member for social services Judith Pritchard said there would now be further meetings with a small group of parent representatives.

Cllr Pritchard said she and her officers want to consider the children’s needs, and look at how the authority can work with parents to redesign the services for children with disabilities.

She added: “We do understand the information in the media may have caused some distress and we want to emphasis that we think it is important to listen and discuss with everyone.

“We want to assure you our prime interest is to make sure all children get the support and service they need.”

Elicia Taylour, whose eightyear- old daughter Alisha also went to Wooden Spoon, said the meeting would be a step in the right direction.

Mrs Taylour, from Oakdale, said: “Obviously it is very early in what will become a long journey with the council, but there is now some light and some hope.”