A CHRISTCHURCH pre-school and nursery has gone into liquidation and has closed its doors with immediate effect.

The Rainbow Pre-school operated from The Old School in Lymington Road, Highcliffe, owned by the Highcliffe Residents Association.

Children spent their last day at the setting, run by Sue Taylor and Jacqui Waddock, on Friday August 9. But it has now closed due to unexpected costs.

In a statement posted on Facebook they said: “It is with the heaviest of hearts that this was our very last day for Rainbow Pre-school. There has been a nursery here at The Old School house for 30 years and a school before that.

“We would like to thank all our wonderful staff, past and present, who have worked so hard in making the nursery a loving, nurturing and inclusive place for local pre-school children.

“We have so many memories of children and families past and present and all the Rainbow staff wish you lots of happiness for the future. It has been lovely to feel so valued by the community.”

They said they have had support from local businesses and that they, in turn, have supported training and work experience for surrounding schools and colleges.

In a statement, directors of the Highcliffe Residents Association said: “The HRA directors recognise the good work done by the pre-school for the benefit of local children and parents, and are sad that the pre-school’s Directors have concluded that their business is no longer viable.

“We greatly regret that the Rainbow Pre-school is unable to continue trading in accordance with the terms of its lease, because an educational activity is an appropriate use of the building. We will therefore have to look for new tenants for the premises.”

They said they are making urgent, essential repairs to the building and will be holding discussions with a number of community organisations about the possible future uses for the building and adjoining land.

They added: “As voluntary community representatives, we strive to ensure that The Old School remains an asset that can be used and enjoyed by the whole community. We will keep members of the HRA updated.”