A community centre now stands as “an empty shell” after children attending a popular nursery left for the final time.

Rascals Nursery at Red Lonning in Whitehaven has closed after more than 30 years of providing a “loving environment” for children in the community.

The future of the empty building, which is owned by Copeland Council, now looks uncertain, after the board of trustees running it all stepped down.

In an emotional post on Facebook, the nursery’s owner said: “Today, our nursery became an empty shell.

“Tonight, it is echoing with the laughter of 100s of children that have passed through its doors over the 30 years we have been open.

“Most of those children were very eager to attend, and so very happy to learn in the lovely, loving, child orientated environment that was created by a very small team of staff.

“I would like to thank all my staff, past and present, for allowing my dream of giving young children within our community, the very best start in life, to come to fruition.

“You should all be so proud of the work you have done that allowed children to reach their full potential. I am proud of each and everyone of you.

“Thank you for helping me to make my dream come true and for it to last for 30 years.”

Brian O’Kane, who represents Whitehaven Central North on the town council, said: “I think the difficulty is that Jericho School have now got a nursery. It was putting additional pressures on to Rascals’ clientele.

“I think Copeland is looking to see if any other groups are interested in using the building. As far as I’m aware there are one or two groups interested.

“The difficulty is finding groups in the area that may want to use it or it possibly will remain empty.

“Such a good building is going to stand empty. It’s a shame that it could potentially go to waste in an area where the youth struggle for things to do.

“It’s looking for alternatives that such a nice building can be used for. If anybody did want to use it, please feel free to contact any of the councillors.”

A spokesman for Copeland Council said: “Although Copeland Borough Council owns the building, it was run as a community centre by a board of community trustees and we understand it was largely used as a nursery.

“The trustees have since resigned from their posts and therefore the running of the centre.

“We are currently in discussions with a new group of community representatives regarding the future of the facility.”