A Suffolk nursery has blamed the 'incredibly challenging operating environment' as it announced it could close its doors in just over a month.

Brambles Nursery in Reydon, near Southwold, sent a letter to parents and carers stating that they were beginning the consultation process with staff over its closure, due to take place on Friday, July 20.

In a letter seen by this newspaper the nursery's owners, Pre-school Learning Alliance, blamed the struggles many within the childcare sector are facing.

Lisa Topham, children's service manager at the company, wrote: 'Brambles Nursery has been struggling to remain viable for some time as a result of the incredibly challenging current operating environment facing the childcare sector at the moment.

'For Brambles in particular this has included a reduction in the number of children attending and the introduction of the 30 hours childcare offered by neighbouring settings.

'As a result of these challenges, I'm sorry to have to inform you that we have taken the difficult decision to consult with staff on the closure of Brambles Nursery and have started discussions with the team at the nursery about this proposal.'

She added: 'I know that Brambles provides a valuable service to local children and families, and so I am very sorry to have to write to you with this news.

'The wellbeing of the children in our care is, and has always been, our foremost priority and so I hope you will know that this decision has not been taken lightly.'

A spokesman from Brambles Nursery said: 'Like many nurseries across the country, Brambles is currently facing significant financial challenges, largely as a result of sustained inadequate government underfunding.

'Unfortunately, this has now reached the point where we have no choice but to consult on the potential closure of the nursery.

They added: 'We very much recognise the impact that closure would have on the parents and children at Brambles, as well as the staff, and so it is important to stress that this is still very much a consultation at this stage.

'We are grateful for the support and understanding of our parents, and will ensure they are kept up to date throughout the consultation process.'