North Norfolk's Liberal Democrat prospective parliamentary candidate has launched a scathing attack on the county council for their handling of a daycare centre's closure.

Steffan Aquarone has also launched a petition in an effort to reinstate childcare services in Wells following the closure of the town's Polka Day Care centre.

Fakenham & Wells Times: Steffan Aquarone, the Liberal Democrats candidate for North NorfolkSteffan Aquarone, the Liberal Democrats candidate for North Norfolk (Image: Alex Broadway © 2019 - alex@alexbroadway.co.uk - 07905628187)

Mr Aquarone said: “I’m really embarrassed by the way the county council has handled this situation.

“Wells is reliant on working-age people being able to access childcare, and the county council seem to be ignoring the huge barriers that the closure would create.

“I remain in awe at the ability of local parents to come together to fight against it.”

But councillor John Fisher, the county council's cabinet member for children's services, said: “It is very convenient for politicians to say we have been embarrassing, but we have been working with Polka since 2019, so it's hardly a fair accusation.”

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

Helena Deakin, a member of the Save Polka Day Care Group, said she and other members were focused on their campaign to see childcare return to the town.

Fakenham & Wells Times: Members of the group Save Polka Day Care page are turning their attention to getting childcare back in Wells after the centre's closure.Members of the group Save Polka Day Care page are turning their attention to getting childcare back in Wells after the centre's closure. (Image: Catherine Scoles Photography)

She said: “We remain disappointed that there is no cover for zero-to-two-year-olds in Wells, and within a 10-mile radius, which is having a massive impact financially and mentally on many parents.

“A small group of us are looking into some options to positively take this issue forward and find a resolution. We hope to resolve the issue ourselves.”

Fakenham & Wells Times: News of the centre's potential closure first emerged in October and prompted a host of concerns from families and staff who rely upon Polka Day Care. (Image: PA)News of the centre's potential closure first emerged in October and prompted a host of concerns from families and staff who rely upon Polka Day Care. (Image: PA) (Image: PA)

Mr Fisher added: “An early-year childcare provision needs a workable number of children in order to operate, and it appears Wells doesn’t have the numbers.

“Two organisations have tried to run a service there since 2019, and the county council has provided support where it could.

“My £180m budget for children's services cannot afford a nursery in every rural community, and we cannot make an exception in Wells.”