A NEW early years setting has been officially opened in a former library building.
Howgill Family Centre has transformed the disused Kells Library building in Whitehaven into a nursery.
Howgill had previously been running a nursery in Kells from a portable building in the grounds of St Mary’s Catholic Primary School.
The new centre has provision for children from two to four-years-old and is open all year round.
Faye Eldon, chief executive officer at Howgill Family Centre, said: “In our old premises, we were just open term time so we’ve extended our hours. Hopefully it will be of benefit to the families in our community and working parents.
“We needed a purpose-built building for our children and having owned the library building for a few years, we knew it was the right time to redesign it for the children. They’ve now got a nicer area and an outdoor play area, which we are hoping to develop further.
“It’s been a few years in the making but we’ve managed to refurbish what was the old library and now we can have more children and open for a longer period of time. The feedback has been really positive from parents and the community.”
Cllr Emma Williamson, who represents Kells on Cumberland Council, officially opened the new centre. She said: “It was a privilege to open the new nursery at Howgill.
“The organisation has an excellent track record of providing good childcare in the area. I would encourage families to go and have a look.”
Chris Hayes, mayor of Whitehaven, said: "It was a delight and an honour to be invited to the opening of the new Howgill centre on Kells.
"The work carried out by all involved is a credit to them. It is a fantastic facility and will be a great asset for the people and children of Kells and the surrounding area.
"Howgill has a fantastic reputation for the service they provide and i am sure this will no be no exception.
"I wish them all the success in the in the world for the future."
Howgill Family Centre is a registered charity and has been operating in the communities of Whitehaven and the surrounding areas for 40 years.
Howgill also owns a centre at Catherine Street in Whitehaven, and runs a family centre at Birks Road in Cleator Moor.
The Kells centre is open Monday to Friday from 8am until 4pm. Places are available. For more information, email: Info@howgill-centre.co.uk
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