Applications to create playgroups are helping to ease a nursery care crisis in one of the fastest-growing towns in Europe.

In the latest round of proposals, an extra 55 places will be created to combat the shortage of childcare provision in Burgess Hill.

For several years, parents in the town have complained the nursery provision is not keeping pace with the rate of house-building.

But soon those who have to work will have more choice in where to send their children.

A former nursing home in Gloucester Road will be turned into a day care nursery for 25 children and offices in Lower Church Road will provide another 30 places.

Neighbouring residents were concerned the lack of parking at both sites would cause problems, especially in Lower Church Road.

In a letter to Mid Sussex District Council one objector called it "an accident waiting to happen".

But at a planning meeting, councillors disagreed and have given the plans the go-ahead.

Katherine French, of Dunstall Avenue, Burgess Hill, who has a two-year-old son, said: "There is still definitely a shortage. Groups are so busy and it is especially hard to get into the good ones.

"The ratio of the staff is important and it is good if it is within walking distance."

Mrs French said she was having difficulty getting her son into a playschool near her work because they were so over-subscribed and welcomed the extra places.

Steve Carpenter, owner of Nurserytyme in Crawley which is opening the nursery in Lower Church Road, said: "There is a lack of childcare places in Burgess Hill. It is very difficult to find a building that fits the right criteria for nurseries.

"It has to be a nice building. It has to be safe and secure and you have to have a garden and amenity area. Planning policy now requires them to be in a town area.

"We are pleased and are looking forward to the new nursery opening. It is now a case of getting it open as soon as possible.

"We have not advertised yet but I think we will be inundated with inquiries."

Councillor David Shevels, who was at the meeting, said: "Six months ago there was a shortage of places but I would say that shortage is being dealt with quite quickly.

"We have given permission to several in the last few months. If it carries on at this rate, Burgess Hill will end up over-provided rather than under-provided."