AN ON-site nursery in Porton Down is going to be closed down, with concerns around the cost of running it. 

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has confirmed that it will be closing the nursery Hickory House at Porton Down, which provides childcare services to employees of UKHSA and Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) at the site.

Professor Isabel Oliver, chief scientific officer at UKHSA, said: “We have taken the difficult decision to close Hickory House and are engaging with staff on this issue. We understand the decision will have a significant impact for a number of our staff and UKHSA will do all we can to support staff through this change.”

The UKHSA cited concerns about the level of investment that would be required to perform necessary refurbishments on the building, coupled with the “need to prioritise essential health security services.”

Hickory House nursery manager Mark said: “UKHSA has taken the difficult decision to close Hickory House. They have expressed their appreciation for the professionalism and commitment from our nursery team and are working closely with us to ensure this process is managed as sensitively as possible.

"We remain dedicated to our parent partnership and will support families to seek alternative childcare arrangements in the local area ready for a September transition.

"Our senior management are also working with our team to provide them with opportunities to continue their careers at Bright Horizons nurseries in the area."