Pre-school born again

12:17pm Thursday 4th September 2008

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A troubled pre-school in Chippenham is hoping to turn its luck around in a brand-new centre.

Woodlands pre-school, formerly Tiddlywinks, was dogged with problems of vandalism and crime when it was based in Englands social centre on Wood Lane.

But, after three years of fundraising and help from Wiltshire County Council, the renamed pre-school will open at Charter Road Primary School on Monday.

Pre-school chairman Michelle Chandler said: "The old building was a converted 1950s RAF shelter and was just not suitable for children to play in.

"We had so many problems with vandalism there and the complete lack of security was a constant worry.

"One particularly nasty incident last year involved someone breaking in and pouring paint over everything - toys, files and equipment meaning a lot of it had to be thrown away.

"We have wanted to move for about three years and everything has come together since last July.

"We have had so much help and support from various groups over the past few years and they have really made this possible."

The new building, formerly the autistic centre at Charter Primary School, is equipped with the latest technology and equipment.

The pre-school committee has upgraded the building to include an office and toilet and everything has been redecorated.

To celebrate the move, the school is holding an open day tomorrow to give current and prospective parents the chance to see the new premises and meet the staff.

Mrs Chandler said: "We have worked incredibly hard to get where we are today and move away from the problems we faced before.

"We all see this has a great opportunity to start afresh with a fantastic new facility.

"We have had to overcome incidents that most other pre-schools haven't and we really are on the other side now. The centre looks great and I would like to thank everyone who has had a hand in helping us reach our goal."

The open day tomorrow will run from 1pm to 3pm at the centre in Charter Primary School.

Anyone wanting more information on the pre-school should call 07955297460.