A PLAYGROUP in Bicester has launched an appeal to raise £300,000 to build itself a new home.
At present the Rainbow Playgroup, meets in a building on the Glory Farm School site, which is leased from Oxfordshire County Council.
But a recent inspection has shown that the building is in a poor state of repair and will need replacing within t
he next two years.
The playgroup offers sessions for children aged between two-and-a-half and five and has been running for nearly 25 years.
But committee secretary Roz Edwards warned there is a risk the playgroup could close unless something is done.
She said: "The building is 30 years old and we have had to pay large amounts of money for repairs.
"An inspector has just completed a condition report and confirmed our worst fears that the building will need replacing within the next two years.
"We have contacted the county council but unfortunately we have missed out on applications for a grant and there is no other funding available to us."
An Oxfordshire County Council spokesman said: "Earlier this year, Oxfordshire Council Council's Early Years Service invited all private and voluntary providers of nursery-funded places in the county to apply to the Capital Grant Programme, a central government pot of money which allocated £7.8m for Oxfordshire.
"This funding is intended to improve the quality of provision for young children, including replacing buildings. Rainbow Playgroup knew that the building they lease from the county council might be required to be replaced.
"Unfortunately they did not apply to be considered for the grant and the closing date has now passed.
"But officers from the county council's Early Years Service and Property Services will meet in the near future with Rainbow Playgroup and Glory Farm School to discuss what other opportunities there may be to address."
The playgroup, which is a non-profit making organisation, is now appealing for the community to help.
A walkathon is being held on Monday, July 6 at the Cooper School Sports Field. Children from the playgroup will be collecting sponsors.
An online account is also being set-up.
If you think you might be able to help, contact the Bicester Review on 01280 827940.
