Childrens’ heartache over destroyed toys

RAINBOW Pre-School children in Newton Poppleford have been left without toys and play equipment for months after flooding devastated their popular base.

Mums and dads have launched a massive fundraising bid to replace a climbing frame, slide, mats, dolls, books and teddies after disaster struck in December.

They had to throw “everything” away after asbestos was discovered in the aftermath of flood heartache that saw a burst pipe cause the premises’ ceiling to collapse- then swamped the building with water.

Driving forces are hopeful of moving back into their School Lane hub after Easter but were told their insurance company will only pay for building work.

“We had to bin everything- we couldn’t take the risk,” said fundraising mum Nicky Rose. “It’s not a nice situation. We lost a vast amount of equipment, it was soul destroying. All the donations mums have made over the years are gone.

“We need to raise as much money as possible to replace all the equipment.

“The insurance company will only pay for the building work. We’ve got to raise money and get it for ourselves.” said the mum of five.

The pre-school, used by around 20 children aged between three and five, has found a temporary homes at Newton Poppleford’s school and village halls. Kind-hearted parents have donated what they can to ensure youngsters have some things to play with.

“We’ve been toing and froing, but keeping the school going is the main thing,” said Nicky. “The kids loved that building and everything in it. They were so happy to go there- it’s the building that makes the difference.

“We’re starting from scratch and are all doing the best we can. Most of us have donated stuff from home.

“Hopefully we will be back in after Easter,” added Nicky.

She hopes local businesses might chip in and help with donations to the cause.

l A fundraising Easter egg hunt will take place at Newton Poppleford Primary School on Saturday (April 23) at 11am. All are welcome.