MEADOWGREEN Nursery have announced the “difficult decision” to close their preschool service at the end of June this year.

At the beginning of February, the nursery revealed their decision to not go ahead with the preschool registration, which resulted in the sudden closure.

The recent proposed changes from the Scottish Government, to increase childcare viability to six hours per day and how preschool services will be delivered, staffed and funded, presented “further operability uncertainty”.

The Meadowgreen Nursery social media post explained: “It is with great sadness that the trustees of the Meadowgreen Foundation, Troon, have taken the decision to not go ahead with preschool registration for the 2018/19 term.

“This will result in a closure of this preschool service at the end of June 2018. The trustees have met with parents and staff regarding this decision and South Ayrshire Council, as our Partnership Authority for preschool services.

“This has been a very difficult decision but has been made in the best interests of our parents so that they can make informed choices for their children for next year. The trustees are working in partnership with SAC to ensure the existing commitment to run the service until Summer 2018 is maintained.”

A spokesperson for the Trust, added: “After almost 20 years of pre-school service, we are saddened to have to make this decision and our immediate focus is to ensure we support the parents and the staff in this difficult period.”

Douglas Hutchison, Director of Educational Services, commented: “We understand that this has been a difficult decision for the trustees and we would like to thank them for the service they have provided over the years.

“The council will continue to support Meadowgreen to deliver the service until it ends.

“We appreciate that the timing of their decision means parents now has to look at other options, however we are confident there will be enough early learning and childcare places available in the Troon area.”