A PRE-SCHOOL could close if more volunteers don’t come forward.

West Buckland Pre-School is currently running as normal, but it has been unable to form a committee for the coming year, prompting an urgent appeal for help.

An emergency meeting will be held at West Buckland village hall at 7.30pm on Monday, November 3 when it is hoped fresh support will emerge.

Outgoing pre-school chair Libby Heaton-Jones said: “No one wants to see the pre-school close, but following the annual meeting on October 1 it was not possible to form a committee for the next year.

“No new volunteers have come forward to join the committee, which acts as trustees for the pre-school, and the outgoing committee is unable to continue.

“If a new committee can’t be formed at the next meeting there are several other options for the pre-school.

“It’s possible for staff, a local school or a pre-school or someone else from the local community to take over.

“However, if none of these options is possible at the next meeting, then the pre-school will be facing closure.

“The pre-school is a much-loved part of the village and has been a stepping stone for countless young people.

“It has received fantastic support from the community in recent years at fundraising events and from people acting as trustees.

“The parents and outgoing committee are now asking for help, and we hope there’s enough support locally for it to continue.”

The pre-school continues to operate as normal, offering local authority funded care and learning for children from the age of two at West Buckland village hall on Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays.

It also operates a rising fives session with West Buckland School.

Four part-time staff are employed by the pre-school, which was rated “good” in Ofsted’s last inspection.

Anyone interested in becoming a committee member or taking over the pre-school can call Libby Heaton-Jones on 07871-802990.