AN Astley playgroup has been told to leave its new base in the grounds of Dam House - just days before Christmas.

Little Buddies playgroup leader, Dawn Hornby, who cares for 42 children, was devastated by Scrooge request from the Mort Astley Heritage Trust to leave the old doctor's house after just six weeks.

Now parents have started a petition and called in Worsley MP Terry Lewis.

But Trust leaders say the 'Scrooge' label is undeserved. They claim they have been forced to give the playgroup notice because of legal clauses connected with the old hospital site.

The site is currently being developed for the Dam House community centre project alongside housing and woodland conservation areas.

Childminder Barbara Royle, said: "We are sick of being trampled on by these big people.

"The Dam House project has received loads of money from the lottery, and that is supposed to be for the community.

"We need a good playgroup in Astley, and we want it where it is. This is just not good enough."

Dawn said: "I was shocked when Trust representatives turned up and told me that we have to go for legal reasons, but wouldn't say why.

"This is my business, everything I have worked for. I have a contract until January, but was asked to get out almost immediately, then by December 16.

"It's such a blow. We moved from St Stephen's Church, Astley, into the bigger premises and took on more children.

"We also look after three children with special needs, and we have to think about them as well.

"It's like Scrooge. This has really spoiled our Christmas, but our party must still go on on the day after the planned eviction, December 17, come rain or shine. Fortunately we have booked bigger premises at the Astley Scout and Guide Hut for that.

"As it stands we are now looking for new premises. It is heartbreaking."

Mum, Adele Ryder, added: "We are all really peeved about this. The treatment has been appalling."

Another, Maureen McColl said: "It is a lovely little play group and we don't want it to shut down. It is just not fair."

But Morts Astley Heritage Trust spokeswoman, Christine Jones, told The Journal:

"We helped the playgroup out with accommodation in the refurbished doctor's house, but have had to ask them to leave because of legal clauses connected with the whole Dam House site.

"We are sorry. The playgroup is part of the project and they are scheduled to use the Hall as a base when it is ready next June.

"We will be happy to welcome them when all the work is sorted."

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