Mini Fingers nursery in Irlam has been shut down after inspectors found a rat infestation, and the building has since been raided by police.
The nursery on Liverpool Road was issued with a prohibition order by Salford Council’s environmental health department on Friday, October 2. Parents were told on Monday, October 5 that the nursery would be closing for good, with an email citing 'recent events and the business struggling'.
Collapsed drain blamed for vermin
The email to parents stated: “Unfortunately following further investigation, we have found that we have a collapsed drain underneath the baby room. After a complete survey, we have discovered that because of this, we have had vermin which have managed to burrow their way into the main building.”
The nursery manager said she was 'devastated' by the closure. The nursery has since surrendered its Ofsted registration, according to Salford Council, and its website and Facebook page appear to have been taken down.
Parents express 'disappointment and disgust'
Parents have shared their 'disappointment and disgust', with some raising concerns that the nursery had known about the infestation 'for some time' before the closure order. The nursery manager has been contacted for comment.
Salford Council’s children’s services department has been working with affected families to find alternative childcare. A council spokesperson said: “Environmental Health and Children’s Services officers took proactive and decisive action, issuing a prohibition order after we were alerted to an environmental issue at the nursery.”
Police raid the nursery
Since the closure, Greater Manchester Police have raided the nursery. Officers arrived at around 8pm on Wednesday, October 7, according to eye witness accounts. Pictures show a police car at the entrance and two Tactical Aid Unit vans parked nearby.
The nature of the incident has not yet been confirmed, though what appeared to be a large gun was seen in an evidence bag being carried out of the building by police. Greater Manchester Police and Ofsted have been contacted for further details.
