A nursery on the brink of closure after its scout leader landlord said playgroups were "too much trouble" has found a new home.

Little Hands Nursery, based at 2nd Epsom scout headquarters in Christ Church Road, Epsom, was given notice by the scout group at the end of last year to leave by July.

The nursery has been based at the scout hall for 18 years, which is owned by the neighbouring Christ Church Epsom Common and, in turn, leased to the scout group.

John Jordan, district commissioner for the Epsom and Ewell district of scouts, left parents devastated after he pulled the plug on the playgroup because he had had enough of its owners’ demands when it came to the building’s maintenance.

He added: "We don’t want a playgroup back again. They are too much trouble."

From April: Scout leader evicting nursery says "playgroups are too much trouble"

But the nursery is now here to stay as it will move into its new premises next door, the Christ Church hall, from September.

Reverend Rosemary Donovan, vicar of the church, said: "I am delighted to announce after significant research, prayer and discussion, Christ Church is able to accommodate Little Hands Nursery in the church hall.

"This has not been an easy decision to make, and will mean some change and sacrifice on our part.

"However, we believe this is the right and God-given way forward."

Hyacinth Rodrigues, owner of the nursery, said she was "extremely grateful" to all at the church and thanked the nursery’s parents including Georgina Humphrey who started the Save Little Hands petition, and Louise Chadha who got in touch with MP Chris Grayling, who also helped find a solution.

Mrs Humphrey said: "The staff at Little Hands are wonderful and create such a happy, fun environment for the children, they have been an absolute Godsend to my family and it is wonderful news that they can carry on providing this excellent level of care."

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Little Hands will move into the hall inside Christ Church, above, in September 

Another parent, Sandie Tompsett, said: "Having been blessed with such a lovely location for over 18 years, it was so devastating.

"However, after some dedicated hard work from the excellent, committed and diligent staff, it is such a relief to hear Little Hands can relocate to the church hall next door."

Mr Grayling added: "I had a long chat with the vicar about it.

"This has been a very difficult situation and everyone should be very grateful to the Christ Church team for helping Little Hands to find a new home."

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Parents were devastated that the nursery would be closing and started a petition to save it