The woman behind a new daycare centre on the north Norfolk coast says she has been "overwhelmed" by support from locals, as the transformation of the future centre gets under way.

Little Gillies is due to open in Wells-next-the-Sea later this autumn, in the building which used to be occupied by Polka Day Care, in Polka Road, until it closed in 2022. 

The new daycare centre will open in Wells later this year, and work on its new home has begun ahead of its opening in autumn. 

Fakenham & Wells Times: Helena Deakin, who set up Little GilliesHelena Deakin, who set up Little Gillies (Image: Helena Deakin)

Fakenham & Wells Times: Work has started on Little Gillies, a new day care centre which will open in Wells, and will be homed at the former Polka Day Care centre in the coastal townWork has started on Little Gillies, a new day care centre which will open in Wells, and will be homed at the former Polka Day Care centre in the coastal town (Image: Frances Marshall)

Helena Deakin, who set up Little Gillies, said: “It is such an exciting time to see the work start on the Little Gillies building. 

“We want to create a fun and vibrant setting for the children to explore and grow in.

"I am overwhelmed by the support we are already being offered by the local community from clearing the outside area to sorting the toys and equipment in the building. 

“This really is going to be an asset to the wells area. We have a long way to go and are definitely on the right path.”

Mrs Deakin is one of a group of parents who fought to have a daycare centre brought back to Wells.

The centre will offer places for children aged 0-three and is a collaboration with the Wensum Trust.

Norfolk County Council is investing £50,000 in the daycare to improve the building.

Fakenham & Wells Times: Work has started on Little Gillies, a new day care centre which will open in Wells, and will be homed at the former Polka Day Care centre in the coastal townWork has started on Little Gillies, a new day care centre which will open in Wells, and will be homed at the former Polka Day Care centre in the coastal town (Image: Frances Marshall)

Steffan Aquarone, the Liberal Democrat prospective parliamentary candidate for North Norfolk, also campaigned for childcare in the town. 

He said: "When the Polka Centre first closed, the county council had all but washed their hands of their responsibility to families in Wells.

"But determined to fight on, Helena joined me on a 10-mile walk with a pram to demonstrate to Norfolk county councillors how ridiculous it was to expect parents to travel up to ten miles each way, twice a day, in all weathers, for access to childcare."