West Worcestershire MP Harriett Baldwin has today welcomed a ‘constructive’ meeting to discuss the future of the popular Link Nurseries in Powick. Harriett had requested that the Health and Care Trust meet with local community groups to discuss a proposal to protect the service, which currently delivers horticultural therapy to people with mental healthcare conditions. Over the last month, Harriett has met with local health chiefs, business leaders and Worcestershire County Council to try and identify a plan keep the nurseries in operation. Harriett said: “Many groups are prepared to work together and are ready to support efforts to offer a long-term future to Link Nurseries. “We were all surprised to see that the Health and Care Trust decided to press ahead with closure plans but it is good to report that we had constructive discussions with them and the Trust is clearly open to fresh thinking and has stated there will be no redundancies. “They are also willing to consider transferring the asset of the site to a new social enterprise or community interest company. “Link Nurseries has always been a popular part of the local community and has been valued by service users. My hope is that we take this opportunity to make more of it and use the site as a base to help many more people. “For example, the parish council could use the building in the evenings and weekends, as the current village hall is so busy. “We await confirmation from the Trust board that they will move ahead. Councillor Tom Wells has kindly offered to help procure a business plane. I will continue to work as an intermediary to offer assistance as required to try and deliver a better future for Link Nurseries in 2016.”