A SHORTFALL in the number of nursery places available in a deprived area of Nelson are set to be filled thanks to funding from Pendle Partnership.

The group has agreed to help fund a Neighbourhood Nursery in Whitefield, Nelson by refurbishing St Mary's Parish Centre.

The Partnership will provide Sure Start Bradley and Whitefield with £151,500 towards the cost of the £926,478 revamp.

Other funding will come from Sure Start, St Mary's Parish, and the Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership.

Supporters say the nursery will help meet a strong demand for accessible, affordable, high quality childcare in the Whitefield area -- identified through consultation with families in the area.

Currently there is no full time childcare in the Whitefield ward and the Lancashire Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership has identified a shortfall of 131 childcare places.

Pendle Partnership Programme Manager Anne Taylor said: "There is a real need for affordable childcare in this part of Nelson."

The refurbishment is set to contribute towards the overall regeneration of the St Mary's area -- with the high quality building being a focal point for the community.

The refurbishment has also been designed to improve access to the building for elderly and disabled people.

Improved meeting facilities will be provided for users such as the Lancashire Youth and Community Service, Church social events, PE lessons for the Gausia Girls School and keep fit sessions operated though the Healthy Communities project.

In addition to childcare facilities, the nursery building will provide a base for Sure Start Bradley and Whitefield to provide a range of services.

Services will include, family support, early years and adult education, confidence building, counselling, and training for parents and carers.

Health services such as advice and support for pre and post natal mothers, women's health and contraception advice, support for teenage mothers, child health screening, and speech & language therapy for children will also be provided.