A NURSERY has been declared open by the mayor at a former residential property in Stourport.

The new Little Dragon's Nursery has opened for enrolment in New Street and will welcome its first children this September.

Little Dragon's will provide 36 spaces for children up to five years of age and boasts a large two-tiered outside play area.

Kidderminster Shuttle: Mayor of Stourport Ken Henderson tests out the play equipment at Little Dragon's Nursery in StourportMayor of Stourport Ken Henderson tests out the play equipment at Little Dragon's Nursery in Stourport

Nursery owner and qualified teacher Sarah Gill, who lives in Stourport, secured planning permission to change the building, which used to be a house, into a nursery last year.

She said: "I'm a qualified teacher and I came across the property and it really lends itself to being a nursery.

"It's got a really homely atmosphere and that's exactly what I want to create at Little Dragon's Nursery.

"We're enrolling now and we have already got quite a lot of interest already and a positive response from people in the community."

Little Dragon's received confirmation of its Ofsted registration on July 9 and is expected to create up to 10 new jobs at full capacity.

Owner Sarah said Little Dragon's will fulfill a need for nursery places in the area, following the closure of four local nurseries and pre-schools as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

Sarah said: "One of the values here is community cohesion. We have already spoken with the Civic Centre and we just can't wait for them to reopen so that we can take our children over for pantomimes and to see Santa at Christmas.

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"Stourport Library also do reading groups that we hope to take part in and we will be making use of local cafes and parks to help our children gain life skills, and go on day trips to Little Big Town.

"There are so many passionate people in Stourport who have opened their own businesses and we really want the nursery to be an active part of the community."

Mayor of Stourport, Councillor Ken Henderson, cut the ribbon on the new nursery on Thursday, July 23.

Cllr Henderson said: "I can vouch for the wonderful turn-around of the building and wish Sarah and her team every success."

Viewings can be arranged on an appointment only basis and are limited to one family member per appointment due to coronavirus guidelines. Call 01299 213133 or search Little Dragon's Nursery on Facebook.