Plans for new nursery unit are submitted

A PLANNING application has been submitted to build a new nursery unit at Waringstown Primary School and if all goes according to plan, work could start this year.

The single nursery unit for 26 children will have associated hard and soft play areas and will include a new pedestrian access to Windsor Hill.

Glenda Hall, senior principal architect with SELB explained: “It was agreed there would be pedestrian access at Windsor Hill. It gives the nursery school a visual presence as it’s the first thing you see when you come in that entrance. Parents taking their children to school will now have two ways into the school grounds.”

If the application is successful it’s hoped the contract can go out to tender at the earliest possible date and building work could potentially begin later this year.

Speaking of the application which was lodged last week Principal Gary Kennedy said: “This is something that the school has been requesting for a long time to help meet the needs of preschool provision in the village.

“Just four years ago we narrowly missed out on getting a nursery, so we’re delighted to have got to this stage of the planning process.

“Our MLA Jo-Anne Dobson has been instrumental in the campaign to bring a nursery unit to Waringstown. I’d like to thank her along with the community who have backed the campaign.”

UUP Assembly member Jo-Anne Dobson said: “Many of us in the village have been petitioning and campaigning for a nursery school for many years and it is a pleasure to be at the stage of viewing the plans and the site today.

“Parent power has prevailed. It has been a long and often difficult path to get to this point with our petitions and door knocking, but we can finally see the form which the planned facility will take and I know that parents across the village are looking forward to the start of term once the nursery has been built.”

She added: “I would like to praise the Board for coming forward with these plans and also Mr Kennedy and Mr McCambley for their excellent leadership at the school. Waringstown Primary School has an excellent and enviable record of educating their pupils to the highest level and I know that this nursery school will build upon that record for future generations of Waringstown pupils.”

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