Parents and councillors have raised serious concerns after a community centre has closed suddenly.

Dolls and Dudes Creche, in The Place, Pitsea has removed its registration with Ofsted.

The education watchdog has confirmed the nursery is no longer registered.

The mysterious closure has been met with sadness and surprise from many parents.

Residents took to Facebook to defend the nursery and praise its service as the closure was announced.

Some parents said they feel confused and left with questions.

Mary Smith, 33, said: “It’s horrible. The nursery was literally perfect.

“The staff were loving and kind and the place was immaculate and educational.

“My little girl went from being very quiet to being a total chatterbox entirely due to this nursery.”

Debbie Tilley, 20, posted: “The sad part about this is that mums do not have a placement for their children to go to and the wonderful staff now don’t have jobs.”

Rob Platts, 35, added: “This means I will have to now find child care and it is not easy at all.

“Everyone I speak with has good things to say about it.

“It all seems very odd to me and especially as the parents were not aware.”

Councillors also raised concerns about the sudden closure.

Andy Ansell, Labour councillor Pitsea, said: “Increasing the provision for early years education is a Labour priority.

“I am investigating what is happening with the nursery.”

The service is still advertised on the Basildon Council website.

It is listed as offering a variety of activities, promoting learning and physical activity through play.

The Echo made various attempts to contacted the nursery for comment but no response was received.

The Place representatives declined to comment while Basildon Council said it was not a matter for the council.

A spokesman for Ofsted said: “Dolls and Dudes Creche has resigned its registration with Ofsted. As they are no longer registered with Ofsted, we cannot comment further.”