ANOTHER pre-school in Highworth could be one too many councillors fear.

Plans to construct a single-storey building and 2.3metre-high fence for a new pre-school to be used by Eastrop Infant School on the grounds of Southfield Junior School have been lodged by Cerda Planning Ltd.

Jonathan Hares, chairman of Vorda Pre-School’s committee, voiced concerns about the plans at a council meeting earlier this month.

He said: “As a feeder pre-school to Eastrop which is linked to Southfields, we think the market may already be over-supplied. Another one could reduce funding for already-squeezed assets.

“The planning documents say there is a demand to sustain another pre-school but we would query that. Highworth could lose outstanding pre-schools due to increased competition and these should be protected so that every one may be continually successful.”

Coun Pauline Webster, chair of Highworth planning committee, said: “I find the way Swindon Borough Council are attacking pre-schools is immoral, this could mean nine staff losing their job because of this new pre-school opening. I feel very strongly that pre-schools should be helped.”

Councillors could not recommend refusing the plans for these wider concerns, because they were not related to issues with the planning application itself.

Mr Hares added: “We wish to maintain a positive relationship with Eastrop but we fear that there will be an impact on existing access that we use regularly and we would like no restriction to be placed on it.”

The drawings provided do not show the access route around the back of the school to Vorda Playgroup so it is not clear if it will still be available. For this reason, councillors recommended refusing the plans.They also wanted an archaeological overview of the site due to its importance in the history of the town.

The proposal will be considered again at the town council’s next general purpose and finance committee meeting on January 22.

Final approval or denial of the application will be made at a Swindon Borough Council planning committee meeting at a later date.

Highworth Pre-School almost shut before its 50th anniversary after Swindon Borough Council suggested evicting staff from the site to set up a new pre-school.

A surge of support from townsfolk saved the pre-school and the council decided to move its nursery near to Westrop.