A MONMOUTH nursery is Britain’s best-loved nursery.

Monmouth Community Under 5s Nursery was given the title by Practical Parenting and Pregnancy magazine.

“Monmouth shone out for us because, despite recent setbacks, the staff are still delivering first-class care and were given a glowing report by Nicki Hawkins, the mum who nominated them,”

said the magazine’s editor Daniella Delaney.

But the success is bittersweet for the nursery because Monmouthshire council is withdrawing its early years status and funding because it does not meet certain criteria, such as providing immediate outdoor access.

This means 17 children cannot take up free places at the community nursery in September.

The nursery is temporarily based at Bridges Community Centre and hoping to raise enough funds to relocate to a demountable unit on a nearby industrial estate, after the council said it had to leave its home of 14 years at the Overmonnow Learning Centre, Wonastow, last summer.

Supervisor Sue Weston blamed increases in rent and an inadequate income from the educational authority for the decision, while the council said it has supported the nursery for a number of years with funding comparable to that received by the country’s local education authority nurseries.

Mrs Weston said: “Parents are devastated. They are pleased with what we have done here and that we’ve won a national award.”

“We do have restrictions here but the children have access to a small play area.

“We will continue without the status but can’t offer free places to children the term after their third birthday.”

“We are still fighting for the parents’ sake. These children should be entitled to free places.”