Demo outside creche cuts meeting

Mothers protested outside Edinburgh Leisure's headquarters

Dozens of mothers have been demonstrating in Edinburgh over plans to close creches at the city's leisure and sports centres.

Parents were protesting outside Edinburgh Leisure's headquarters in Nicolson Street at 1530 GMT.

A petition was handed to Edinburgh Leisure's chief executive, Keith Jackson, ahead of a cuts meeting.

Campaigners said they feared the loss of six creches across the city would exacerbate post-natal depression.

The move follows the announcement by Edinburgh Leisure of plans to cut six of its eight creches as part of efforts to save £300,000.

The Royal Commonwealth Pool and Ainslie Park Leisure Centre are the two creches which will remain running.

MSP for Edinburgh North and Leith, Malcolm Chisholm, was also at the rally.