YOUNG children have been left out in the cold after childminders at Woodborough Garden Centre were told their services were no longer required.

The garden centre, near Pewsey, which was taken over on February 17, will re-open next Thursday under the ownership of the Whitehall Garden Centre Group, based in Lacock.

However, the owner of the centre, Peter Self, has said that a shed used by the youngsters will be scrapped, meaning that childminders Amanda Woodruff, from Pewsey, Heather Barnes, from Oare, and Caroline Anderson, of Easton Royal, cannot use the centre for the children they care for, aged six months to 10.

"We have been hit by this bombshell and it is very hard to take. We are devastated by this news as are the children we care for, both past and present, and their families," said Mrs Woodruff.

"All of us thought we would just carry on when the centre re-opened, as all the other staff are supposed to keep their jobs, but to be given our marching orders was deeply upsetting. Mr Self said he wanted to make improvements to the centre but we are not part of those plans.

"We each look after three children at the moment, around two times a week we use the centre. It is a wonderful setting. We had a beautiful willow dome, a digging patch, a mud kitchen and two sheds with little wheelbarrows and all sorts of outdoor play equipment.

"We have cared for dozens of children over the years but that has been brought to a very sad end. He is not even allowing us to go onto the site and collect some of the things we used.

"Now we have to find somewhere else to go. We are told all the time how grateful people are for what we do but Mr Self does not share that view."

The three childminders set up the outdoor area in January 2014, after securing £1,500 in grants to get it up and running, with the strong support of the centre's former owner Claire Rourke.

"What is so disappointing is that Claire was so supportive of what we did. She thought it was a great idea but that seems like a long time ago," she said.

"Between the three of us as childminders, we have two outstanding ratings and one good one. We offer children a chance to play but also to learn whilst they play. The support we have received from the community has been amazing. Together we are trying to find a new premises."

When asked to comment Mr Self sent the Gazette a picture of a shed used by the childminders which he said was tatty and not fit for purpose. But he said the new owners planned a number of positive changes that would be enjoyed by families.