A KENDAL nursery under threat of closure has been saved to the delight of both parents and staff.

Earlier this month, it was announced that Appleby Road's Meadowview Nursery would close its doors on July 20.

Directors cited the 'difficulties of balancing ever increasing costs', in particular the annual rise in the living wage, against the new 30 hour offer of free childcare.

However, there was huge opposition from staff, parents and carers, and a petition launched to save the facility garnered more than 15,000 signatures.

In response Peter Graveson, who runs Kendal's Sunnybrow nursery, chose to take on the nursery.

"We received a lot of enquires when the closure was announced," Mr Graveson said. "Sunnybrow was only able to offer places to a handful of worried parents. I am sure other providers in the area would have been able to take some but a lot would have had nowhere to go. Parents rely upon the nurseries to enable them to go to work, nurseries are an integral part of the local economy."

Mr Graveson already runs two nurseries in the town and had no plans to take on another.

"We intend to run Meadowview as a separate business, family owned and run, thus enabling it to keep its unique identity," he said.

Victoria Sewell was one of the parents that would have been affected by the closure. She said she was 'beyond delighted' that she would not have to move her daughter to a different nursery.

"I'm just hoping the nursery will continue to be able to offer the same hours, but am expecting it to be ok," she said. "I still think it was unnecessarily stressful for everyone - why they didn’t offer it for sale in first place is beyond me. It would have saved a lot of emotional energy and stress for all concerned.

"However, I think it’s very positive it’s been taken over by someone who understands the business, both the potential of the place and challenges."

Stephen Wilkinson, director of Meadowview Nursery announced the good news to staff, parents and carers in a letter.

Following the announcement, he said: "The directors and shareholders of Meadowview Nursery are delighted that in consultation period regarding the closure of Meadowview Nursery a local solution has been achieved.

"The change of ownership has been well received. We are also grateful that The Queen Katherine School is happy to continue the existing of use of their land and buildings.

"We are particularly relieved that our staff will be able to continue to do the job they are so good at, and that parents will not be inconvenienced."

And nursery manager Erika Clement, who had been vocally opposed to the closure, said: "I am so relieved and delighted and would like to say a big thank you for the directors to reconsidering their decision regarding the closure of our nursery. I would like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude and appreciation to Peter Graveson who believed in us and to all my extremely supportive parents.

"Greatest of all is our children can continue with their friendship and continue to receive outstanding support from all my staff."