Guernsey Beau Sejour creche price rise to be phased in

Prices will rise and opening hours will be reduced at a Guernsey States-run creche, due to ongoing losses.

It comes after discussions between the States and parents, who began a petition when the changes at Beau Sejour creche were first announced.

Culture and Leisure Minister Mike O'Hara said his department "arrived at a compromise solution".

He said: "It retains the morning opening hours and phases in the price increase over 12 months."

Opening hours reduced

Deputy O'Hara had previously said the status quo, with £41,000 being lost each year, could not continue.

He said the creche only recovered about a quarter of its costs in income each year and was used by a low number of users of the leisure centre.

In 2009 there were 6,524 visits to the creche, involving only 10% of the centre's membership.

From 1 January 2011 the opening hours will be 0900-1200 GMT Monday to Saturday, a 40% reduction on the current times.

The prices will rise on 1 January, with a further increase on 1 July.