UP TO 30 NEW jobs will be created with the opening of a new nursery in Haddington.

Pear Tree Nursery has opened a second facility in the town in a former bed and breakfast on West Road.

The new nursery, which saw more than 200 interested parents attend its open day last month, could employ up to 30 staff when it is at capacity, with six already recruited.

Nicola Pryde, director of the nursery group, which is already open on Meadowpark and has another facility in Dunblane, Stirling, said that the new centre had been opened to meet demand as the town sees more families moving in.

She said: “We wanted a second site because of the waiting list we had at Meadowpark and were delighted to be able to take on the former B&B on West Road.

“Our open day showed how much nursery places are in demand and with all the new houses being built we knew there was a need for it.

“We are delighted to have a second nursery in Haddington.”

The new nursery, which features a giant indoor sandpit and separate baby unit with a sensory room and quiet areas, was officially opened by East Lothian MSP Iain Gray on Thursday, July 26.

He said: “Pear Tree Nursery has been doing a great job for many Haddington families in recent years – including my own grandsons. I have seen for myself on lots of occasions the great atmosphere in the existing nursery, and have watched that reflected in the many national awards Pear Tree has won for the quality of their provision.

“I was delighted to help open the new Pear Tree on West Road. This is a beautiful building and it has been fitted out to provide the best of care. Not only will it increase the availability of childcare, but it will create a significant number of new jobs in the town too.

“This is now a highly qualified and professional sector, and Pear Tree has a great track record on staff support and training, so these are excellent opportunities for local people.

“With childcare entitlement expanding and Haddington also increasing in size, this is a much-needed and welcome facility.”