BCP Council has cited financial considerations for the sudden closure of King’s Park Nursery.

The nursery in King’s Park Drive, Bournemouth, which was in the past open from March to October, has been growing plants for local parks and gardens on the same site since 1924.

There will be a short four-day sale in the coming months, which will be publicised through the King’s Park Plant Nursery’s social media channels in due course at facebook.com/KingsParkNurseryBournemouth

In a statement Cllr Millie Earl, deputy leader said: “Councils across the country are facing an unprecedented challenge. Soaring inflation has driven up costs and many councils are facing an increase in demand for core services, such as social care, education and highways.

“BCP Council shares these challenges as it works to close a £50 million funding gap. We have been clear that difficult decisions will need to be made and we are taking a responsible approach rather than deferring tough choices to future years.

“One of these difficult decisions is to close King’s Park Plant Nursery; it will not reopen in spring 2024. This will save £85,000 in the 2024/25 financial year.

“We are aware that it will impact our dedicated staff and volunteers, and we will be supporting them throughout this process. Our aim now is to look at how we can best use this space to benefit the community going forward.

“I realise this will also come as a disappointment to loyal customers and I want to thank anyone who has ever visited and purchased items from King’s Park Plant Nursery.

“King’s Park Plant Nursery will open for a short period of time in the coming months, and we hope customers will come and purchase the remaining stock from the plant nursery. This will also enable any customers with gift vouchers to spend them during this time. We will make everyone aware of these dates once they have been decided.

“We have always said we would be open and transparent and the decision to close King’s Park Plant Nursery has been a difficult one and one that hasn’t been made lightly.”