OPERATORS of a Porthmadog playgroup are overjoyed at securing £11,000 funds which will enable them to move into a new permanent home.

Cylch Meithrin have used St John’s Church for a number of years, but always hoped to find a permanent home.

The playgroup has now moved into their new home at Ysgol Eifion Wyn but needed £11,000 to carry out essential work to be permanently based there, which has now been met by Gwynedd Council.

Cllr Jason Humphreys has welcomed the news.

He said: “I’m relieved and delighted for the Cylch Meithrin about their new home at Ysgol Eifion Wyn and that things are finally falling into place to give the town’s youngest learners the best and most secure possible start in life.

“A heartfelt thanks should be extended to St John’s Church for accommodating them over the years, but it has been a very difficult situation for both parties.

“The playgroup needed to leave because the rooms had to be renovated and their use also conflicted with other functions. Also, there were criticisms highlighted in an ESTYN report, which were fundamentally environmental in nature.

“Although they moved to Ysgol Eifion Wyn in October, work needs to be done at the school, including knocking down a structural wall to double the capacity.

“I became alarmed when the playgroup was told that they needed to raise the £11,000 themselves for just the essential work, so I wrote to Cabinet member Mair Rowlands asking her to intervene.

"I was over the moon when I received an e-mail confirming that Cyngor Gwynedd had changed its mind and had decided to undertake this work.

“The group still needs to raise cash for other things, such as preparing the ground and fencing off an outside play area. A cheque of £2,300, which is on its way from the Rebecca Trust, gives them a head start.

“I look forward to working closely with the Cylch Meithrin and the school in fulfilling what needs to be done and more.”