A nursery facing eviction by a new homeless shelter could be saved after a Kingston church came forward to offer space.

The organisers of St Peter’s Nursery have been searching for a new home after learning they would have to leave St Peter’s Church.

The church was given the green light to build a £2m homeless shelter in London Road despite huge opposition from parents who said they would struggle to find an alternative venue for their nursery.

But Father Martin Hislop, of St Luke’s Church in Gibbon Road, has offered his church as an alternative.

He even said children could play in the garden of his vicarage.

Father Hislop said: “Some of our parishioners are displaced members so I have heard from them directly about their concerns.

“I was more than happy to talk to people.”

He said he was due to meet the nursery shortly to see if it suited them.

No one from St Peter’s Nursery was available for comment as the Surrey Comet went to press.

If the nursery is not suitable for St Peter’s, another nursery could open in the church instead, adding to the provision in Kingston.

Tory councillor Andrea Craig said: “I’m thrilled that one of our vicars is being so accommodating and we have such a dire need for nursery provision in our area anyway.

“It will be incredibly popular in the area as and when it is up and running.”

Rev Peter Holmes, of St Peter’s Church, was at a family funeral on Thursday but churchwarden Meryn Broomhead said: “It would be very good if they have found alternative accommodation.”

Liberal Democrat deputy council leader Liz Green said: “It is a very good nursery that we didn’t want to lose.

“If a solution with other premises not far away is suitable that sounds great.

“St Peter’s Church will be able to do the shelter that they wish to do.”

Kingston Council inspectors visited St Luke’s Church on Wednesday and said it was suitable for a nursery. The church already runs a Friday mother and toddlers group.