The future of Keighley's threatened Cliffe Castle nursery looks set to be secured.

A report drawn up by council officers recommends that the popular facility should be retained, the Keighley News can reveal.

The document outlining several options for the site, together with petitions from the public opposing closure, will be considered by Bradford Council's regeneration and culture overview and scrutiny committee.

The Keighley News exclusively revealed in August that the future of the nursery, which provides invaluable training for people with learning disabilities, was in jeopardy.

The pending early retirement of its manager Madeline Mason -- who has now finished (see letter, page 8) -- coupled with the expiry earlier this year of Single Regeneration Budget funding, had cast a question mark over the project's continued operation.

News of the closure threat sparked a massive public outcry, and hundreds of people signed petitions calling for its retention.

Councillor Simon Cooke -- the council's executive member for the economy -- said this week that under the recommended option, links between the nursery and Woodville Horticultural Centre would be strengthened.

Woodville is run by WorkAble, which provides training and employment opportunities for disabled people in the district.

Also there would be a restructuring of the management system. The nursery shop would be maintained.

Cllr Cooke said: "The nursery is an excellent facility and I have always been keen to keep it, provided it could be justified in terms of its training provision.

"We need to refocus the way it works and concentrate more on what it was intended for, to give opportunities to mentally and physically handicapped young people.

"The management structure would be broadened and there would be a reworking of the relationship with Woodville and other organisations.

"The council officers have done an excellent job in compiling the report and they are to be congratulated."