A POPULAR nursery is set to close after a dispute over its lease.

Staff at Sunshine Day Nursery, based in the grounds of Appleton School, Benfleet, have contacted parents to tell them it will close its doors for the last time from Friday, August 28.

It is understood the school, in Croft Road, has decided not to renew Sunshine’s lease.

Sammy Burridge, 22, of London Road, Benfleet, has set up an online campaign in a bid to save the nursery.

Her three-year-old son Mckenzie has been going there for the past nine months.

Miss Burridge said: “The nursery has actually been given until November, but we would lose our funding if we stayed until then, so they have decided to shut at the end of August.

“I don’t drive, so it’s the only place within walking distance for me. I really don’t knowwhat I’m going to do.

“My little boy has thrived since he’s been going there. It took a lot to get him settled at first, but he’s made loads of friends, and I’m not sure how he would cope having to start somewhere new.

“At the moment I don’t work, but I was hoping he would start longer hours at Sunshine from September so I could get a part-time job.”

Mum Chloe Breathwick, 25, of London Road, Benfleet, said: “The staff are usually so happy and cheerful, but last week I sensed an atmosphere.

Now this has all come out I guess it’s because they knewwhat was coming.

“My little boy is three, but has learning difficulties and struggles with his speech. The staff have been absolutely brilliant with him, and I’m really worried about him having to start somewhere else. It’s such a shame.”

Another parent, who did not want to be named, added: “This has been a total shock to everyone.

“There has been a lot of upset and confusion all round, and no one knows how to tell their children what is happening.”

Sunshine Day Nursery, which has 53 children on its roll, was given a good rating during its last Ofsted inspection.

It has a sister nursery at the White Hall, in Clatterfield Gardens, Westcliff, and is open between 7am and 7pm, making it a popular choice for working parents.

Rebecca Harris, Tory MP for Castle Point, is looking into the closure after being contacted by distraught parents.