WORKS to develop a nursery for 32 children in Hampshire have now started following months of planning.

The new centre in Stanmore, Winchester, will be made up of a newly-built section, consisting of a new office and staff toilets, and a refurbishment of the existing building adjoining the main hall.

The centre currently takes care of ten children but demand from local residents has meant the centre has been forced to expand.

Eloisa Broadbent, nursery manager, said: “It’s really exciting. It’s very important because it gives the local parents the opportunity to go into further education and get some ‘me time’ and it gives the children the chance to develop skills and socialise with other children and helpers so it’s a win-win situation.”

The £180,000 project has been funded by Hampshire County Council and will be geared to help children prepare for primary school education.

A planning application is currently being considered by the city council.