Nursery green light

Councillors gave the proposal the thumbs up at Monday night’s mid-monthly council meeting, much to the delight of principal Gary Kennedy.

Mr Kennedy told the ‘MAIL’: “Everyone at the school is absolutely delighted. It’s been a long process. We missed out four years ago but we’re absolutely delighted to have got approval this time round.

“I’m looking forward to the contractors coming on site which could be as soon as the turn of the year.

“I’d like to thank Jo-Anne Dobson and her team for her continuing support and interest in this project. She really has been a driving force.”

UUP MLA Jo-Anne Dobson said: “I am absolutely delighted that planning permission has been granted for the new Waringstown Nursery Unit.

“I know countless families in Waringstown will be overjoyed that the new unit will be up and operational as result of this decision. I pay tribute to all those parents who walked the streets and housing estates of the village with me over the last three years and that the vision we had back then is now closer to becoming a reality.

“I am so proud that we have reached this point and that something which I made a central point of my election campaigns for both Craigavon council and the Northern Ireland Assembly is now closer to being fully realised.

“It will be an exceptionally proud day for Waringstown when the first child walks up the path to begin their education in the new unit.

“This was a fight for equality for the families and children of Waringstown and one which I am immensely proud we are now so close to achieving. Our aim has just taken a very important step forward.”

Councillor Carla Lockhart, Mayor of Craigavon, added: “Obtaining nursery provision within Waringstown has been obtained by a concerted effort and I for one am delighted to have been involved heavily in the lobby for it. Additionally, without Mayoral approval for it to have been included in the planning schedule as an addendum, it would have delayed the process and would not have allowed the provision to be ready for September intake. Having been a councillor for the area for a number of years I am all too aware of the needs in the area for such provision and am delighted that the project is nearing a start date. The children and parents of the area are deserving of this facility and I know that it will complement the school’s already great facilities.”

“Additionally I believe it is important that the lobby continues to have this provision increased to a full-time capacity as oppose to the part-time that has been approved by the Department.

“The fight will most certainly continue in this regard.”