Parents in Troon have blasted “discriminatory” plans which leave their children with fewer free childcare hours in nursery compared to others.

A ntional plan to deliver 1140 free nursery hours for kids annually from August has now been delayed.

But South Ayrshire Council are letting Troon Primary nursery offer the additional child care but won’t let privately run Granny Smith’s, 500 metres away, do the same.

Fiona Moore, whose three-year-old son attends Granny Smith’s, said her family will be £160 per month worse off.

She said: “Troon Primary has been allocated 400 hours more than the children who are going to Granny Smith’s. It feels like complete discrimination against my child. Every child should get the same number of hours.”

A council spokesman said: “South Ayrshire Council is set to deliver an increase in early learning and childcare hours as soon as public health advice changes.

“The current measures in place mean all children get at least the statutory entitlement of 600 hours with a few children getting more. When the guidance is changed then early year’s centres will contact parents with updated information.”