PARENTS fighting council plans to close a popular nursery have recorded a minor victory.

Darlington Borough Council had proposed the closure of Eastbourne and Heathfield nurseries in April, to make way for "foundation stage" departments at Dodmire Infant and Heathfield Primary schools.

But parents at Eastbourne launched protests against the move and gathered 300 signatures on a petition.

Council bosses have now been forced to backtrack, after conceding that there had not been enough consultation.

As a result, the notices published for the closure in November have been withdrawn and a further consultation will be held.

Director of education Geoff Pennington said: "The responses we have received during the representation stage clearly indicate that stakeholders do not feel sufficient consultation has been undertaken on this proposal."

However, the council is pressing ahead with the closure of Heathfield nursery.

Three letters criticising the move were received, with objectors saying it would be disruptive and intimidating for nursery pupils to be placed in the primary school environment.

But the authority has insisted that the move is in the best interests of the children.

It believes the Heathfield closure makes sense because most youngsters would go on to reception classes at the primary school.