THE captain of HM Naval Base Clyde has hailed the "incredible support" from the Helensburgh community after new owners were found for a closure-threatened nursery in Helensburgh.

The Drumfork Nursery and Family Centre had been set to close at the end of February after the owners decided to move on.

But following several weeks of hard work behind the scenes, new owners were found just over a week ago to keep the service operating.

READ MORE: New owners found for closure-threatened Helensburgh nursery

In a letter circulated to staff and parents at the family centre this week, Captain Nick Gibbons, captain of HMNB Clyde, said: "Following the disappointing and unexpected decision to potentially withdraw provision of nursery services at Drumfork, I wanted to thank you all for your patience and numerous offers of assistance during what must have been an extremely difficult and unsettling few weeks.

"After incredible support and advice from a number of areas, not least the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity, Argyll and Bute Council and the current manager and staff, I can confirm that new owners have been found and, importantly, the facility will be able to continue its operations while the handover of the business takes place.

READ MORE: Helensburgh nursery's future in doubt as owners pull the plug on their service

"We are now focussed on completing this transition process as smoothly as possible and supporting the new team to ensure they continue to deliver the facilities and, importantly, the stability that you and your families expect and deserve."

The announcement that the former owners of the facility were set to pull the plug on their service came just weeks after the Princess Royal, Princess Anne, officially reopened the Drumfork Centre following a £2 million refurbishment project.

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