A THREE-MONTH consultation period on the future of two Darlington nurseries will begin on Monday.

Staff and parents will be asked to give their views on the potential closure of the Kids and Co nurseries, in Borough Road and at Northwood Primary School.

A spokeswoman for Darlington Borough Council, which runs the nurseries, said no firm decisions had been made about their future.

The Northern Echo understands staff received letters last week, telling them of the possible closure, with parents informed after that.

A total of 44 members of staff are employed across the two sites, with the equivalent of 24 full-time jobs at risk.

The council spokeswoman said: “Darlington Borough Council is commencing a 90 day consultation on the future of its Kids and Co Nurseries at Borough Road and Northwood, as well as its flexible provision.

“This action is a result of a changing market with an increase in range of provision for families.

“Kids and Co currently requires a subsidy from the council to operate and in the current economic environment, where the council is seeking to reduce overall costs to Darlington residents as a whole, this situation is being reviewed.

“Comments and views will be fed into the final report, which is due in January.”

The 90-day consultation will include staff and nursery parents, as well as other stakeholders.