Nursery closure shock

May 8 2008 by Kerry-Lynne Doyle, Glamorgan Gazette

'No income for more than a year'

IN a statement, owner Sharon Averis said she was “devastated” at the closure, which she says was caused after her bank withdrew the company’s overdraft.

She said staff were informed that she was looking at refinancing options but tendered their resignations on April 28.

“I took home the children’s details so as to inform the parents as to what was happening.

“However, enough information was left should staff and children attend,” she said.

“We continue to go through a re-financing exercise optimistic in being able to refund the staff and parents any money they are owed.

“Be assured that there is not a case of money being negligently taken from the business.”

Mrs Averis said she had taken no income from the nursery for more than a year.

A spokesman for Bridgend County Borough Council said after trying making every effort to resolve the matter, the council had brought legal proceedings against the owners of the business for non-payment of rent.

“They had been given until September to put their affairs in order and we had no prior indication that they were closing their doors at short notice,” said the spokesman.

“We also wrote to the owners strongly advising them that they should notify parents at the earliest opportunity to allow them to arrange alternative provision for their children.”

'We'll try ourselves' - page 3