Destroyed playgroup determined to go on

The Drumahoe Community Playgroup committee met yesterday to consider its options following the hammer blow dealt by the revelation that its losses would not be covered by the Western Education and Library Board's insurance.

Playgroup chairperson Kerry Credoz says the future of the community based facility has been thrown into doubt because there is no money to cover a repair bill that runs to tens of thousands of pounds.

Speaking to the Sentinel in the wake of yesterday's meeting she said it was critical the Playgroup secured a permanent home as soon as possible and that a number of options were being looked at.

But Ms Credoz said the attitude of WELB on the matter was making things more difficult than the group would have liked.

"WELB are not making it easy for us," she said. "It is extremely difficult in fact. At the minute we are exploring one or two options. It's at a critical stage but hopefully by next week we'll have made progress."

Earlier she spoke of her shock and disappointment on discovering that WELB would not fund replacement accommodation for the group.

"We were just becoming financially stable and self sufficient following the financial costs of the major building project completed last summer to these new premises and now we are back to square one.

"All our efforts now need to go on raising the funds for the repairs."

A spokesperson for WELB explained why it was not covering the Playgroup's repairs.

"The Board is self-insured which means that the users of all Board premises are covered by its insurance. The Board self-insures its own legal liabilities and Drumahoe Playgroup would also have had Public Liability Insurance to cover their legal liabilities. Therefore, the Playgroup's own insurance will cover the loss of any contents/equipment.

"The Playgroup leased the temporary building from WELB, which was surplus to Drumahoe Primary School's requirements – although the Primary School planned to start an After School Club in September. This arrangement had been agreed with the Playgroup.

"The Board has no statutory remit to provide accommodation for a voluntary Playgroup. The Board is funded by the Department of Education to provide statutory nursery provision such as Nursery Units and Nursery Schools.

"The Playgroup, therefore, will have to explore other avenues of funding for replacement accommodation. Board officers have offered the Playgroup assistance in their search for alternative accommodation," the spokesperson explained.

Ms Credoz said a number of avenues were being explored and the Playgroup hopes to be able to make announcement on its future at a meeting of parents next Tuesday.

Meanwhile a fundraising drive continues. Last week a door to door collection raised 2,500. A bank account has also 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.

Julie Pollock, a parent of a child who attends the Playgroup and Committee Member says losing the community led facility would be a devastating blow for local people.

"This Playgroup has been in operation in Drumahoe for approximately 25 years now. It is a critical part of the community and of the children's educational development.

"We can't allow this Playgroup to close, the amount required to carry out the repairs is a challenge, but is achievable."