A FLINTSHIRE pre-school playgroup which has been running for over 40 years faces an uncertain future after being evicted from the facility it used.

Broughton Pre-school Playgroup needs to find a new home after being told it can no longer use the local Scout group's premises due to Covid-19 restrictions.

The group has been given temporary relief as Broughton and Bretton Community Centre's committee has offered the use of its premises, but the playgroup must find a permanent home by January.

Failure to do so could see the playgroup be forced to close, which could result in up to six of its staff being made redundant.

And Broughton Pre-School Playgroup, which caters for up to 30 local children, is now looking to raise sufficient funds to afford to its own premises.

Amy Perks, playgroup manager, said: "Our group has been running for over 40 years providing care and early education to pre-school children.

"We had recently moved our group to the local Scout group premises which we registered as a holiday club to provide childcare for families in need during such difficult times. We continued to run our pre-school sessions in the scout hut from September but recently received an eviction notice to leave the premises giving us just two weeks notice to find an alternative suitable facility.

"The Broughton Community Centre committee was made aware of our situation and they have been very supportive by providing us with a temporary setting. However this is not a permanent option for our group as it will not be financially feasible come January.

"Our group needs help and support with raising funds for us to be able to have our own premises to secure the future of our playgroup and allow for us to continue to offer early education to children in our area."

Reacting to the news on social media, Broughton residents described the prospect of the group's closure as "terrible", "awful" and "heartbreaking".

One resident said: "The playgroup has been vital for so many children and parents over the years it would be awful for it to close."

Another added: "Losing the playgroup would be so sad - it's such an important part of the community.

You can donate to the group's fundraising page here