A PRE-SCHOOL nursery in York is to close in August with the loss of 13 jobs.

Cherry Tree Nursery in Hob Moor is “no longer financially viable” according to its management committee, which has apologised to parents for the “inconvenience and anxiety” the decision has caused.

A spokesman said: “This has been a very difficult decision which we have taken only after a thorough examination of all the possible alternatives.

“We very much regret the impact it will have on the staff, and it is no reflection on their loyal service over many years.

“We also regret the inconvenience and anxiety that this decision may cause for parents who use the nursery.

“We will do everything we can to minimise the impact of this decision on both staff and parents and to work with families to ensure they have appropriate childcare arrangements in place for the new academic year.”

The nursery was established eight years ago as part of Hob Moor Primary School and was unique in being a commercial venture but staffed by employees of City of York Council.

In a statement issued by the council yesterday, it was announced that a standard 30-day consultation will take place with the threatened staff and union representatives.

If the decision to close the nursery is upheld, the staff will be put on notice of redundancy.

Coun Ruth Potter, City of York Council’s lead member for education, children and young people, said a recent change in the age of when reception year children could start school meant there was no longer enough children to use the nursery.

She said: “The number of children isn’t enough to keep it financially viable. This wouldn’t have been an easy decision for the governors to make.”

Parents of children at Cherry Tree have been notified of the proposals and offered support to help find alternative childcare.

The council’s Family Information Service will be running drop-in sessions to help parents.

For details phone 01904 554444, email fis@york.gov.uk or visit yor-ok.org.uk/cherrytree

• Are you affected by the decision to close the nursery? phone The Press newsdesk on 01904 567131.