AN ALLOA nursery is "most unlikely" to reopen in August because of the poor state of the building.

Parents whose youngsters were due to attend ABC Nursery learned of this in a letter from Clackmannanshire Council, sent out just before the end of the current school term on June 25.

The letter said: "Due to structural issues and the extended lockdown period, we are currently unable to use the ABC building for early learning and childcare.

"We are continuing to explore the options available for families who have chosen ABC for the coming session as it is most unlikely that the building will reopen by August 12.

"This will be done in consultation with families."

The letter went on to say that "alternative places will be allocated" to those who would have attended ABC.

One parent, who did not want to be named, told the Advertiser: "The parents have been massively let down with all of this."

Structural issues with the nursery building, located on Grant Street, were identified around Christmas time last year.

They were presented to the council's People Committee in January, and include problems with the roof, heating and electrics.

The Advertiser understood the proposed repair bill at that time was around £600,000.

The council agreed that a consultation would take place with families and staff ahead of any final decision on what to do with the building.

Findings from that consultation were due to be presented to the People Committee in May.

However, the Advertiser understands the coronavirus pandemic has largely scuppered the consultation, delaying any final decision around what to do about the outstanding repairs.

A spokesperson for Clackmannanshire Council confirmed: "As a result of structural issues at ABC Nursery in Alloa, we have taken the decision to close the building until further investigations can be carried out.

"It is unlikely that the investigations will be completed in time for the re-opening of education provisions in terms of the Scottish Government's timeline of August 11.

"Alternative places in other education facilities will be offered to parents until such time as the council completes its investigations."