Engineer to report on Drumahoe playgroup

Drumahoe Community Playgroup was torched by vandals in May and its future left in doubt when it emerged its losses would not be covered by the Western Education and Library Board's (WELB) insurance.

Last week the Playgroup Committee was weighing up its options faced with a huge repair bill running to tens of thousands of pounds.

Playgroup chairperson Kerry Credoz said yesterday progress has been made since last week and once a structural engineer's report is approved by WELB the committee will set about repairing the building itself using its own funds.

She said a further meeting with WELB - whom last week she described as making things more difficult than the playgoup would have liked - had revealed a "more amenable" attitude from the authority.

Now the Playgroup hopes to press on with a fundraising drive in order to raise funds to fit the repair bill and ensure the nursery is ready for the new school term in September.

Ms Credoz says the Committee believes repairs can be carried out for between 12,000 and 15,000 but must await the engineer's assessment and a green light from WELB to proceed.

"We've had another conversation with the board who have been slightly more amenable," said Ms Credoz. "A structural engineer is to provide a report and then we will be carrying out the repairs ourselves."

Last week's revelation that WELB would not fund replacement accommodation for the group means the Playgroup is dependent on the generosity of the local community which has already backed a fundraising drive to support the facility.

"It's difficult to put an exact figure on how much we need as it's changing all the time at the moment and now we have to wait for the engineer's report.

"But it's basically up to the Playgroup to find the money. We are not supported by any of the statutory authorities," said Ms Credoz.

Ms Credoz thanked those who have already contributed to the fundraising drive to support the local nursery and said donations are still welcome as the final repair bill is likely to be substantial.

She thanked those who contributed to a 2,500 door-to-door collection; the pupils and staff at Ashlea Primary School, who took part in a sponsored walk for the Playgroup; and local business Costcutters, which also contributed a substantial sum to the repair bill.

A bank account has been set up for donations and anyone wishing to contribute can do so via the Northern Bank, a/c no 95038330116092.

Any local businesses or individuals wishing to help raise funds can get more information from Kerry Credoz on 07545259159.

Twenty four kids are enrolled to begin the playgroup come September.