Campaigners in Wells-next-the-Sea have warned about the harm a lack of childcare services could have, following the closure of the town's Polka Day Care Nursery.

Members of a group called Save Polka Day Care are also turning their attention to how childcare services could be improved in the town, following Polka's closure earlier in January. 

Lucy Wines, one of the campaigners, said childcare facilities were essential for Well's future.

She said: “We're all aware of the cost of local housing and the issues this raises in ensuring people remain living in Wells, the childcare provider is essential. Without it, we will have no young families and children, a lack of working population.

“If we have parents who cannot go to work because there is no childcare, the knock-on effect will be huge. Who will staff the lifeboat, fire service, work in local businesses?”

The centre, was managed by Alpha Nurseries, which announced in October it was to shut down because the business was no longer considered viable.

There were hopes another childcare provider could take over the centre, but this proved unsuccessful.

Norfolk County Council's cabinet member for children's services, councillor John Fisher, said there was still enough childcare provision in Wells, but Mrs Wines called on the council to do more. 

She said: “They have not looked at the need directly in Wells and there will be a demand for childcare, there is no provision for under twos here or in the surrounding area."

Fakenham & Wells Times: Lucy Wines a local resident, and supporter of the Save Polka Day Care groupLucy Wines a local resident, and supporter of the Save Polka Day Care group (Image: Lucy Wines)

A council spokesman said: "We have assessed the sufficiency of childcare provision in Wells based on how many children aged 0-five we know to be in the town and how many providers are already operating.

"Our assessment has shown there is sufficient childcare for youngsters aged two to five."

The county council does not run nurseries, but it is responsible for making sure there are adequate childcare places across Norfolk.

Fakenham & Wells Times: Norfolk County Council cabinet member for children's services, John FisherNorfolk County Council cabinet member for children's services, John Fisher

The council said it would be happy to support and advise groups interested in running new childcare services in the town.