There is “no anticipated risk” to a nursery in St Albans after concerns were raised about its future, amid talks that the NHS were set to sell the building they call home.

Muriel Green Nursery in Church Crescent is based in a former hospital owned by NHS Property Services, raising concerns among staff and parents.

“Staff at Muriel Green Nursery have been told that the NHS is hoping to complete a sale before the end of the financial year,” read a statement from the nursery.

“The nursery took on the property in 2001 with a 99-year lease when it opened at Church Crescent but, if the property is sold, it could be given a 30-month notice period by any new owners, threatening its future.

“If the nursery is forced to close, the area will lose one of its best loved and respected education facilities.”

Building owners, NHS Property Services, confirmed to the Herts Ad that talks are ongoing with Herts County Council - who rent the building for Muriel Green.

But, a spokeswoman for the NHS was keen to stress they “do not anticipate any risk” to the nursery’s future.

“The property at Church Crescent is currently leased by us to Hertfordshire County Council on a long leasehold,” she said.

“After proactively engaging with them to discuss the building’s status we are now in positive discussions with them about its future long-term ownership.

“We do not anticipate any risk to the Muriel Green Nursery as a result and we hope to conclude these negotiations with the council, resulting in a positive outcome for all parties, in the near future.”

Hertfordshire County Council also stressed that despite uncertainty surrounding Muriel Green’s Church Crescent home, they are keen for the nursery to continue operating.

“We are aware that the NHS is considering selling the building in Church Crescent, St Albans, that we rent from them as a base for Muriel Green Nursery,” said an HCC spokesman.

“The nursery provides important education and childcare facilities for working parents in St Albans, so we are keen that it is able to continue operating.

“We are speaking to the NHS about the potential impact of their plans and looking at the possible options.”