Nursery given marching orders to make way for church development

The Spire Pre-School, which has been based at the church centre for 34 years, has been told it does not have a future under new plans to build houses on the church land and renovate the church.

This month Uckfield developer Clearwater is set to apply for planning permission to build six cottages on land next to the church.

The church said it would use the money it earns from the deal to pay for the overhaul of the church building which is in dire need of repair.

The Rev Brian Wilcox, of Holy Cross Church, said the church had worked closely with the pre-school but time was running out for the church building and the project must go ahead.

Pre-school organiser Claire Dupoy told the Express: 'We were told the

Parochial Church Council (PCC) was looking into plans to re-floor and re-roof the church centre.

'We thought, "What a good idea", and we assumed this would be done over the summer holidays.

'Our lease has not been renewed and we have to find alternative space by Christmas - an outrageous timescale.'

County childcare officer Joanne Grogan has written to the PCC asking for the pre-school to remain on site until April next year.She said pre-school places were scarce in Uckfield following the closure of two other pre-schools.

'To lose another provider which offers quality childcare and is highly reputable would be detrimental to local parents as Spire provides care to 68 children from 78 local families,' she said.

Rev Brian Wilcox, of Holy Cross Church,said the playgroup had been fully involved in talks about the scheme since the idea was first put forward 18 months ago.

Rev Wilcox said due to rising costs and the disrepair of the building, it was now essential to press ahead with the refurbishment.

He said: 'The church welcomes this development which safeguards the future of these historic buildings which otherwise would not be possible and we are hoping the work will be done in time for our 170th anniversary celebrations in 2009.'