Suspected arson attack forces nursery to close

8:28pm Wednesday 23rd July 2008

A CHILDREN’S nursery has been forced to close after a suspected arson attack.

The private Ladybird nursery, based at Highfield Youth Club in Wildman Lane, Farnworth, was badly damaged in the fire.

Staff were forced to turn away around 50 children who had arrived with their parents this morning, as they counted the cost of the damage.

It is likely the youth club, which is open in the evening, will also close.

The blaze, which broke out at midnight, ripped through the youth centre roof and destroyed children’s equipment and paperwork, causing severe smoke damage inside.

Zoe Nicholson, deputy manager at the nursery, said: “We have no premises at this stage in which to reopen. We are all out of job for the time being. I just feel sick. These parents rely on us over the summer break."

The fire started at the back of the building before spreading to the roof.

Crews from Farnworth were at the scene for just over an hour.

A Bolton Council spokesman said: “We are currently assessing the extent of the fire damage and officers are supporting Ladybirds to find alternative premises, but in the meantime if people require immediate childcare they should contact the families information service on 386030."

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