PARENTS are celebrating saving a popular nursery earmarked for closure after Lewisham Council funding was slashed.

Community group SunriSE will take over Honor Oak nursery from September but says it is "very disappointed" the nursery at Ladywell still faces the axe.

SunriSE, formed by parents and residents, had hoped to take over both nurseries after the council announced plans to stop its funding last year.

The group worked with advisors 4Children and the council over their business plan and are offering all carers and parents at Ladywell places at Honor Oak.

SunriSE project team member Maggie Butler said: "SunriSE is very pleased that with the support of 4Children, the nursery staff, parents and the encouragement of Lewisham Council we are able to keep Honor Oak nursery open and offer essential child are and family support services to the community.

"We are very disappointed it has not been possible to develop a viable model for the excellent site at Ladywell at this time.

"We look forward to building a vibrant social enterprise at Honor Oak that we know will have a key role to play in the lives of many families in the borough."

The third council-run nursery threatened with the chop at Rushey Green is set to be taken over by staff and run as a mutual.

Lewisham Council cabinet member for children and young people Councillor Helen Klier said: "This is a great example of how local people can come together to find creative solutions.

"We know it was hard for parents to hear about the changes to these early years centres and they were very clear that they wanted these nurseries to stay open.

"The Mayor supported and gave time for parents and nursery employees to develop alternative solutions and this has proved successful."

She went on to say the council regretted the fact the nursery is due to close on August 31.

Honor Oak and Rushey Green are due to open their doors on September 1. For information about vacancies at Honor Oak call 0207 639 1802.