Childcare Centre May Sue Google Over Blog

By MARYMURTAGH

A LIVERPOOL childcare centre is threatening to sue internet giant Google over a whistleblowingwebsite.

Parents who set up the site are also facing possible legal action from solicitors acting for Speke Sure Start.

Concerned parents formed the Speke Action Group to express their concern into how the centre was being run.

It is believed their fears were probed by the Department of Education and Skills last summer.

But Sure Start Speke says this was a review regarding governance issues and change ofmanagement.

The resulting report may never be published – the government has still to decide if it is in the public interest topublish it.

NowSure Start Speke is threatening to sue Google unless it shuts downthe blogwithin 24hours.

Asource among the parents said: “So much for freedom of speech. We’ve been let down by the government and now they are using the lawto silence us.

“All we ever wanted was for someone to investigate our concerns. It shouldn’t come to this.”

Solicitors acting on behalf of Sure Start Speke are demanding that internet service provider Google remove material they consider defamatory from the blog. So far, Google has refused.

Concerns about Sure Start Speke include claims that:

Criminal Records Bureau checkswere notmade on a member of staff whose work brought them into contactwithchildren.

Grievances about alleged bullying not investigated properly.

Concerns about the direction of the project and its funding.

Concerns about how a board member was appointed and whether theywere experienced enough.

A spokeswoman for Liverpool law firm Brabners Chaffe Street Solicitors said: “We have been instructed to act on behalf of Sure Start Speke in connection with highly defamatory, offensive and damaging comments onablog site. “We are instructed to bring proceedings against the author(s) publishingmaterial onthe blog and tohavethematerial removed.

“Legal action brought to vindicate reputations of individuals and an organisation which have been maliciously and falsely attacked is necessary for the continued success of Sure Start Speke.”

arymurtagh@liverpoolecho.co.u

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