Protest over closed nursery held

Angry mothers protest with their children

One protesting mother said she felt frustrated at the decision

Dozens of angry mothers have protested outside a council's offices over the closure of a nursery after a structural report found the building was unsafe.

The Borough of Poole Council shut the Merley Youth Club temporary building, which houses Down In The Woods pre-school, in Wimborne, Dorset, on Friday.

The report said it might not withstand winds above 45mph and heavy snowfall.

Parents were informed just hours before the closure. Dorset MP Annette Brooke described the situation as "appalling".

The building may not withstand a heavy snowfall

The Mid Dorset and Poole North MP, whose children attended the nursery more than 30 years ago, said: "[This is] absolutely appalling.

"I think its crisis management at its worse because clearly it has been known for a long time that these buildings were 'past their sell-by date' I think I should say."

Parent Anna Corbould said: "Down In The Woods pre-school is a thriving and successful setting, which cannot be lost to the local community."

The local authority told BBC News on Monday it is urgently looking for a solution and it may consider putting scaffolding up around the building.

In a statement, it said:"(The) Borough of Poole will make sure the parents are aware of available spaces at alternative providers and continue to explore alternative premises for a possible longer term solution.

"Following discussions, there is a possibility the Down in the Woods pre-school can continue to operate from this building on a temporary basis, subject to insurance checks and temporary strengthening of the building which is subject to the approval of the independent structural engineer who is on site today."

Council officials are due to meet parents again on Wednesday.