SHOCKED staff shed tears when they unexpectedly received notification that a popular Rubery nursery will close within three months.

Alphabets Nursery, in Birmingham's Great Park, has been given three months' notice before it will be closed down.

The nursery cares for around 40 children of employees of the South Birmingham NHS Trust and members of the public. It has been established for more than 40 years.

Staff and parents received written notification of the closure, which has been attributed to financial difficulties, and they have been given one month to find alternative funding to keep the centre open.

An urgent meeting is being held at the nursery tonight when NHS staff who use the facility will have the opportunity to address the finance chief of the NHS trust.

Blackwell mother Claire Taylor, of Spirehouse Lane, whose three-year-old daughter attends the nursery full time, said: "I am angry with the short notice given.

"I will have to find a new nursery for my daughter, which will be difficult because all the nurseries in Bromsgrove have a minimum of a 12-month waiting list.

"My daughter has lots of friends at the nursery and the staff are fantastic."

Adrenne Cetti, of Clent Road, Rubery, whose three-year-old daughter also goes to the nursery, said: "Alphabets is such a wonderful place to send children.

"The surroundings are friendly and the staff are like family.

"We are trying to explore all avenues to try to keep the nursery open, but we don't know where to start."

The NHS trust was unavailable for comment as the Advertiser/Messenger went to press.