Brooklands nursery to close down after 30 years in Garswood

After 30 years of childcare, Brooklands nursery will no longer operate from its Monterey Crescent site in Garswood from Wednesday, July 19.

Brooklands Childcare also operate nurseries in Hindley, Bryn, and Leigh, and said that some of the reasons for the closure in Garswood were due to "rising costs, building maintenance, and occupancy levels".

A spokesperson added that most of the reasons for the closure have been "beyond [their] control".

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'Save Our Nursery'

Following the news that the nursery could close, a support group had been set up by a handful of concerned parents who wanted to 'Save Our Nursery'.

In addition to the online group, where parents have extended advice and guidance, they also organised a protest at the nursery site yesterday.

Families have expressed concern that they will be left without nursery care from July, and that Garswood will be without another vital facility following the closure of the village library last year.

Brooklands nursery, on Monterey Crescent in Garswood (Image: Google Maps)
Melissa Waring, who has two children at the nursery, said: “I have to find somewhere else at short notice.

“I’m fortunate that I drive but I know of parents who don’t have access to cars, they don’t drive and they chose Brooklands because it is around the corner.

“We have still got a community of 200 people who really want to try and do something.

“I feel we are losing something important for the village and the community.

“Garswood has already lost out with its library being closed, it fells like they are losing so much.” 

Melissa also said that she has spoken with Father John Gorman from Our Lady's Church, as the site is owned by the Archdiocese of Liverpool, who is said to have been very supportive of the group and was only notified of the closure last week.

Garswood and Seneley Green Councillor Sue Murphy and the Business Manager at Garswood School are also said to have been very keen to support the community by extending the provision offered at Garswood school.

Many reasons 'beyond nursery's control'

A spokesperson for Brooklands nursery said: "We are saddened that after 30 years of providing high quality childcare we will be sadly closing our doors on the 19th of July.

"There have been many factors that have contributed to our decision, most of which are beyond our control, including rising costs, building maintenance, and occupancy levels.

"All of our staff and children have been given the opportunity to relocate to one of our other sites."

A spokesman for the Archdiocese of Liverpool said: “As their lease had expired, the archdiocese served a notice on the tenant in January offering them a new lease. The tenant has chosen not to proceed with a new lease.

"We cannot comment on the reasons why the tenant decided not to proceed with a new lease as they have not been shared with us.

“The archdiocese will now review other options for the site.”