LAST-DITCH attempts are being made to save a Galashiels nursery months away from closure.

For four years, retiring businessowners of Osito at Netherdale have been looking for someone new to take over the lease – when it expires in January.

But nobody has come forward and parents of up to 70 children are worried they will lose the private facility.

Jane Kemp who runs the nursery said: “I will be 67 in January and it is time for me to retire.
“We have been searching for someone to take it over for four years now, but we have had no interest whatsoever.

“We would have to sign another five-year lease if we were to continue and I am not able to do that.

“Another issue in the meantime is that the landlord might find another tenant to take over the building and open up another type of business.

“However, there is still time to pull out all of the stops. We will be trying everything we can.”

Osito is the only private nursery in Galashiels. And it now has around 70 children on the register and 11 members of staff.

Jane added: “The parents are all totally in the know and are aware of what the situation is.

“It has been a great wee business and I am desperate to see it live on.

“But if someone is able to come in, they would have to meet all of the requirements of the Care Inspectorate and, of course, the landlord.”

The nursery also works in partnership with Scottish Borders Council through providing government-funded places for three to five-year-olds.

And the local authority says if the centre does have to close, it will offer support to any of the families affected.

A spokesperson told the Border Telegraph: “The council has a duty to provide early learning and childcare and will work with any private sector nursery to help find places for their children.”