THE fight to save a children's nursery from the axe has been successful.

Hector's House Nursery, based in HMRC's Centre 1 tax office at Queensway House in East Kilbride, was targeted for closure at the end of November, along with seven other nurseries around the UK, as part of a cost-saving exercise.

But a campaign by trade union PCS, the families of the children who attend the nursery and local MP Michael McCann has resulted in the decision being reversed.

The East Kilbride, Strathaven and Lesmahagow MP flew to London to meet Exchequer Secretary David Gauke and HMRC chief executive Lin Homer to press the case for the nursery.

He returned with a result that delighted the families and secured the immediate future of Hector's House.

Detailed discussions will take place between the families, nursery provider Bright Horizons and HMRC, but Mr McCann is confident any remaining issues can be resolved.

He said: "This is a triumph of common sense over senior civil service stupidity.

"HMRC decided to close eight nurseries based on the premise that the same circumstances prevailed in each one. The decision was fundamentally flawed, but the future of Hector's House is back in the parents' hands."

The nursery has been in East Kilbride for 21 years and is open to HMRC staff and the public.

The trade union PCS is also delighted the nursery has been saved.

Bob Farmer, president of the HMRC branch in East Kilbride, said: "We always believed it was a viable concern and were determined to fight what we saw as a hugely flawed decision by HMRC.

"It was a team effort, but we owe a huge debt of gratitude to Mr McCann.

"Now the nursery has been saved the work to ensure it remains as a long term facility, either in Queensway House or in a new location in the town, begins."

stef.lach@ heraldandtimes.co.uk