Peeblesshire News | News | Shock for village as doors close on nursery

Thursday, 4th December, 2008

Published: Friday, 5th September, 2008 12:30

Shock for village as doors close on nursery

By David Knox

Comments (0)

Print Article

PARENTS in West Linton have been rocked by the news that the village’s largest nursery is set to close.

Up to 100 kids regularly attend the Village Nursery every week at the Old Church Hall.

But problems with the lease and difficulties finding alternative accommodation have forced manager Janette Blake to shut up shop.

Letters were sent out to parents this week highlighting the problems facing her business and announcing the planned closure.

She told the Peeblesshire News: “I have really enjoyed providing the service for all of these years but the Church of Scotland have indicated they need the building back.

“I have explored several options but none of them have proved viable and it is with regret I’ve had to make this announcement.”

Negotiations had taken place with the council’s education department about relocating the popular nursery into a purpose-built facility at the planned new primary school.

But no assurances could be given by the local authority.

And the closure next April will leave the council with a huge gap in its free pre-school education places.

Local councillor Neil Calvert said: “We have an obligation to supply nursery care and we will have to find alternative arrangements.

“There is nursery provision at the primary school but this is restricted because of space.”

The Village Nursery has been under threat in the past with the Church attempting to evict the business in order to build a new hall.

The planning application in 2006 by the Church of Scotland, which attracted 240 objections, was rejected and the nursery given a reprieve.

But this latest twist looks like it is the end of the road for the 14-year-old business.

The letter sent out to parents stated: “Over the last couple of years the uncertainties regarding our premises combined with the growing pressures of regulation and expectations of what nurseries need to achieve, has meant that running the nursery business has become ever more challenging.

“The eventual loss of our existing tenancy has effectively been the straw that broke the camel’s back.

“The decision to close the nursery has not been taken lightly taken, but now that it has been, it is irreversible.”

The Village Nursery will close on Friday, April 17, 2009.

Comments