Up to 60 social services jobs are set to be axed and a day nursery closed in Southend Council budget cuts of almost £3million.

Half the posts under threat are currently vacant and it is hoped the remaining 30 employees will be found alternative council jobs.

Twenty-five children under five will have to find new nursery school places and 14 staff will lose their jobs at the Queensway Day Nursery, Essex Street, Southend.

Verina Weaver, executive councillor for health and social care, blamed a lack of Government funding and a higher demand on social services than was predicted.

Published Thursday January 29, 2004

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