Ardglass Community Playgroup Enjoys New Facilities

ARDGLASS Community Playgroup located at St Nicholas’ Primary School in Ardglass has celebrated it's completion of the £150,000 project funded through People’s Millions and the South Eastern Education and Library Board. 

But, on the eve of the launch heartless thieves broke into the new premises and stole a small sum of money. 

Some of the children and playgroup assistants and staff in the new garden funded by People's Millions and the SEELB. 

Karen McCormick, Playgroup Leader said, “The break in last night came as a shock to us. The alarm went off last night (Tuesday) at 11.30am and the caretaker was there very quickly. There was no serious damage done but this type of behaviour is just not acceptable. . 

“Police are also looking into this and if anyone knows anything about the break-in they should contact them. We now have CCTV on the premises and all the rooms are securely locked.” 

Councillor Dermot Curran, Down District Council Chairman, said, “I condemn this break-in in the strongest possible terms. This facility is a great resource benefiting the whole community and such an act is just disgraceful.   

“We must ask where is the police? With all the cutbacks, policing is now a big issue. It is just senseless breaking into such an important premises for children for a few pennies.”

He added, "The playgroup was a very impressive addition to Ardglass. The building is well placed in the grounds of the local primary school and is very accessible to the community. For children coming to school this is a bonus as it is located close to the P1 class in the school. This helps their socialisation into their early education. 

“But at the official opening, I was most impressed with the effort the staff and the volunteers made in securing the funding and implementing their plans. It is a very worthwhile project.”

Kelly Pleasants, Playgroup Chairperson, said: “We are delighted the extension to the main playgroup is now complete. All of the staff and the volunteers have made a great effort in getting it all together and our dreams just came true with winning the People’s Millions and receiving an award from the SEELB. It has made such a difference to what we are trying to deliver.

“Our playgroup is very family oriented and staff are very well skilled in their early years work. It is a huge step for a parent to leave their child and walk away leaving them behind. It is very professionally run and everyone is very well reassured. It is a great success story and we are all proud of it.” 

Karen McCormick added, “The funding has made such a huge difference to our playgroup. It is unbelievable. We received £100,000 from the SEELB and £50,000 from Peoples Millions which provided a new building which came is five modules, and we have more space outside. We now have on top of new equipment a Telly Tubby garden... just a grassy area with no toys, so children can interact together, and we have a bigger play area, and also a garden. 

Having fun in the sand pit are Coleen, Ryan and Melissa. 

“Now we can more fully address the needs of special needs children and we have wheelchair ramps, wider doors and other improvements, and all of our staff are trained in special needs. If necessary we can work one to one with a child if we have to. 

“With three full time staff and an active support from volunteers and parents, there is always a buzz around the playgroup. Now we can organize trips in our new minibus and so far we have gone to places such as Castleward. Some community groups too have used it in Ardglass and it really has benefited the whole community and local families. We have even helped to get the senior citizens out shopping.