A MINEHEAD nursery originally set up as part of the Skills and Enterprise Centre at West Somerset College almost five years ago, is to close at the end of March for financial reasons.

Parents were shocked to hear the news last Friday when, following a meeting the day before between staff and Bridgwater College Trust, Acorns Nursery and Pre-School announced it would be closing.

The nursery caters for around 65 children aged from three months to the end of pre-school and has 14 staff.

A post by manager Julie Lindley on the nursery’s Facebook page said: “The trust has decided the nursery is no longer financially viable . . .

“As a staff group we are saddened by this decision and thank you all for your support you have given the nursery.”

Letters went out from chief executive officer Peter Elliott, explaining that the nursery had been running at a loss for many years, from which it would not be able to recover.

Any increase in fees would be unacceptable to parents who had already seen recent increases and would make child care unaffordable for many.

“I am sorry I have to write to you to advise you of this decision as I know it will impact on your daily life.

“We are therefore aiming to provide as much notice as possible … in order to give you time to make alternative arrangements.”

The announcement came out of the blue as, just before Christmas, the nursery wished parents a happy holiday and looked forward to the new year.

Parents reacted with dismay to the news, with 56 posts on Facebook the same day it was announced.

Mr Elliott said the nursery had £15,000 worth of unpaid fees and, with projected numbers of children lower than expected, a business plan built on best assumptions still meant it would have a reduced income of £20,000 – which overall meant it would have ended its financial year with a £35,000 deficit.

Now the building and land will be used for education and training at the college.