A FORMER children's nursery that has stood empty for a year is to reopen as an environmental studies centre.

The pavilion in Newton Aycliffe's Moore Lane Park will be given a £37,450 refurbishment to be brought back into use.

The building was originally a park cafe and park keeper's office in the 1960s and later became a playgroup and pre-school.

It has been unused since last September when Great Aycliffe Town Council closed the pre-school because of falling numbers.

The town council last week secured a £25,089 grant from Sedgefield Borough Council's Local Improvement Programme to cover 67 per cent of the cost. The town council will meet the rest of the bill and manage and maintain the centre.

The improvements will include new flooring and windows and new toilet and kitchen facilities. Fire detection and emergency exit lights will also be installed.

The studies centre will be used by school age children and community groups involved in environmental matters, such as Aycliffe Nature Park Association.

It will also be the base for an environmental officer soon to be appointed by the town council to manage the council's nature sites at Woodham Burn, School Aycliffe Wetlands and Aycliffe Nature Park.

The officer will also develop community involvement in countryside and environmental activities in the area.

Community groups such as cycling, walking and health clubs will also be able to use the venue for meetings and activities.

The centre will be available on most days and early evenings Town clerk Andrew Bailey said: "We are excited about the two elements of this project coming together, the venue and the appointment of an environmental officer.

We are trying to get people, in particular children, to respect the environment and enjoy the countryside around the town.

"This will help do that and make the most of the extended Great Aycliffe Way path network."

12:04pm Thursday 15th May 2008

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