A HAMPSHIRE nursery is facing closure after being given notice to leave its current home.

Now parents and staff at the nursery have launched a campaign to save it.

Whistlestop nursery has been based in part of Arnewood School’s Sixth Form in New Milton for the past six years.

But the secondary school says it needs the space and has asked the nursery to leave.

Owner and nursery manager Debbie Martin said the problems started when Government funding for a new facility was withdrawn and other options fell through.

Now the nursery has until July to find new premises.

She said: “We had more than 70 families. On hearing this news some have already gone.

Everyone is devastated.”

Angry parents have started a petition in a bid to save Whistlestop and persuade Hampshire County Council to let it move to the Fernmount Centre in Violet Lane, New Milton.

Mum Gemma St John said: “This nursery is so important to so many people.

“There is no baby unit anywhere around here, it’s vital this stays open.”

Sandra Church, another mum, added: “The Government wants us to get back out to work and then we’re hindered by essential services like this closing – it’s a joke.”

Arnewoood School’s chairman of governors Elizabeth Cook said: “When Whistlestop moved in six years ago it was under a fixed-term contract.

The nursery always knew it was only temporary.

“The nursery was notified last November of the decision by the governing body not to renew its lease, far longer than the three-month period required by the lease.”

County council deputy leader Councillor Roy Perry said: “The council’s children’s services department has been working with Mrs Martin to help her find options for alternative accommodation.

“Suitable premises within the New Milton area are limited.

“A number of options have been explored but, so far, those options have not been able to offer the nursery a permanent, purpose-built solution.

“Fernmount would not be able to accommodate the nursery.”