A CREDITON nursery has had to close temporarily after a serious flood at its premises in the town.

On Sunday, May 22, a cleaner was devastated to discover that a hot water pipe had burst in the children’s toilets at the 44-children Leapfrogs Pre-School Unit and Nursery School off East Street, Crediton.

Manager Emma Cavanagh explained: “It was a burst water pipe under a sink.

“Unfortunately it was a hot water pipe which had obviously been running for some time as it has flooded our main room, the staff room and kitchen.

SAUNA

“It was like a sauna and lake when it was discovered.

“We did not realise the severity of the issue and thought we would be open within a day or two but it has been a lot of work trying to sort things out.

“The carpets are destroyed as are many of the children’s toys.

“Pictures and paintings on the wall are so damaged by the heat and steam that the paint was running on them.

“Books have soaked up the water so are having to be thrown away as they are falling apart.

JUBILEE PARTY CANCELLED

“We have had to cancel our afternoon tea party for the Jubilee for the children and instead we are going to deliver goodie bags to the children.

“Fortunately Crediton Tesco and Crediton Morrisons have been very generous and given us some items for the goodie bags.

“The insurance company has been, did a survey and has said we are covered for things like the carpet but it will not pay for things like toys and other items.

“It would be great if anyone could make a donation to us just to help us out.

“Today (Thursday, May 26), is the first day our 20 staff have been able to come back and they have been helping us clear things and make new things as well as pack the goodie bags.”

‘GUTTED’

Charley Atkinson, SENCO and Senior at the Nursery added: “We are just gutted that this has happened.

“It has been really difficult for the parents who have had to find childcare and it has also been upsetting for the children.

“There are many children who really need to be here learning and playing.”

Emma added: “One benefit is that we rent our premises from Devon County Council through Hayward’s Primary School and the school is really good to us.

“The staff have been doing all they can to help us and we are fortunate that we have one room which was not flooded.

“We will fortunately be able to hold our half-term sessions in that room, largely because we have reduced numbers of children at that time.

“We will also be able to use some of the school facilities while the school is closed for half-term.”

If you could make a donation towards toys and replacement items at the Nursery and Pre-School, please contact Emma at Leapfrogs on 01363 776474 or email: [email protected] .

Alternatively, post a donation to: Leapfrogs Nursery, 32 East Street, Crediton EX17 3AX or leave at donation at the Crediton Courier office at 102 High Street, Crediton, marked for the attention of Leapfrogs Nursery.