Popular St Anne's Nursery, in Erith Park, CLOSED by Orbit in rent row

St Anne's Nursery in Badlow Close is part of Orbit's Erith Park development and many of its 50 pupils, some of whom have special needs, live in the estate.

Last Tuesday, staff were greeted at the portacabin, which they have been renting during building works, by police and housing officers at 8.30am - just as parents and toddlers were arriving for the day.

Manager Toni Swinard told News Shopper: "I turned up to see my deputy in tears, and we were confronted by officers and policemen.

The premises being closed down. Picture: Erith Link

"They denied us access and put a board up saying we are no longer trading at the address.

"The children did not want to go. They all said 'we want to stay with you'.

"The people Orbit are affecting are their own tenants.

"I don't know what to do for the best for the parents.

"They are being very supportive saying it's never been about the building, it's always been about your staff.

Front row left-right: Daisy Bargent, two, Samuel Moseley, two and Kian Garden

"But the kids need a nursery to go to - I can't make them keep the building open.

"They have locked our children's records and everything in there.

"It's really emotional, I feel sick about this."

Ms Swinard is also concerned about the welfare of her loyal staff.

She said: "I haven't got young staff, I have got experienced staff who have stayed with me.

"It's made them unemployed. One of my staff's six months pregnant, and she lives in Erith Park.

The notice left on the building

"Who's going to employ her? How's she going to pay her rent?"

St Anne's Nursery is a not-for-profit business run by Liam Connolly and owned by Silon 7.

Mr Connolly, whose 82-year-old mum previously ran the nursery for 40 years, said: "The rent was paid on the Monday, they evicted us on the Tuesday.

"I would re-open and let the legal people speak to them, but it's finding property in Erith is really hard at the moment.

"It's very upsetting, because it's more of a project than a business."

Liam's mum Eileen Connolly and manager Toni Swinard

Project regeneration manager for Orbit South Caroline Field said: "We are sorry for any inconvenience this has caused the families.

"The nursery has provided a valuable service to the community for many years and the commitment and expertise of the staff is not in question.

"Orbit closed the nursery only as a last resort - it is expected that rent will be paid for use of the space.

"Silon 7 were advised well in advance that the nursery would be closed if full payment was not received."

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Mr Connolly admits that the rent was not paid monthly during a prior two-year tenancy in Corhaven House, but says this was because there was no formal agreement.

The rent for his current premises in Badlow Close is up-to-date and paid in advance.

Mr Connolly said: "How would I be in that property for eight months if I owed them money from before?"