Torteval Pre-School to close due to rising costs and fall in demand
RISING costs and falling demand will see Torteval Pre-School close its doors for the last time tomorrow.
Nursery manager and owner Carla Loveridge said the problems had come to a head this autumn.
‘The lower intake in September has played a part, as has ever increasing running costs,’ she said.
‘The birth rate is lower, which is something that is affecting other people I have spoken to in the sector as well.’
Ms Loveridge announced the closure at the beginning of November and has said that a lot of people have been upset to hear about her plans.
‘Everyone has been upset saying “we are sorry to hear your closing” and stories about how their children came here and are now grown up,’ she said.
‘It was emotional when we had to tell everyone, but thankfully they have all found another place to go which has really put me at ease. We want to thank all the families for their support and it has been great getting to know everyone.’
She said that the 12 years she had run the nursery had been great.
‘It’s been a really good, but really busy 12 years,’ she said.
The nursery has been a part of the parish for many years.
‘It really came out of the blue,’ said Torteval constable Becky Link. ‘It is very sad news as there has been a pre-school here for a very long time.’
She added that the parish was unsure what use would now be made of the building, which is owned by the parish. It will be discussed at the next douzaine meeting in January.
While Guernsey’s population has been growing, this has been largely due to immigration. In recent years there have been about 500 births a year, but more deaths, resulting in a natural decrease of 129 people for the year ending March 2023.
