A brighter future beckons for children in Chippenham as work on a much-needed neighbourhood nursery gets underway. Building work has begun on the new nursery set up by children's charity Barnardo's at Redland Primary School.

"This is an exciting development and we are hopeful that this new initiative will bring many benefits to children and families in the area," said Jon Doble, assistant director for children's services at Barnardo's.

"We want local parents to be involved in the development of the centre and create new opportunities for childcare and family support."

The nursery will be a partnership between Barnardo's and Wiltshire Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership.

A feasibility study was carried out and residents were consulted.

Barnardo's included an extra 12 parking spaces in its plans after some residents voiced concerns that the nursery might add to the parking congestion in Brook Street.

The nursery is part of a project to provide family support in areas that would not normally receive it, and it is set to open in June.

It will provide facilities to cater for up to 50 children aged under five.

Barnardo's identified the site at the school after discussions with headteacher Hilary Etherington in the spring. The £400,000 nursery is intended to help parents get back to work.

The day nursery will be combined with Sure Start, an organisation set up to provide child and family support advice on childcare and health, as well as early learning.

Originally Barnardo's hoped to set up the nursery facility in Kingsley Road, but it faced strong opposition from residents who feared traffic congestion and the loss of open space.

The building work relies on £250,000 funding from the New Opportunities Fund, connected to the National Lottery.

Plans include converting the former caretaker's bungalow on the school site as well as new buildings,

converting some of the school buildings to use for the nursery, and building new classrooms for the school to use instead.

The school will also benefit from shared facilities, such as play equipment.

Many parents will be able to claim back around two thirds of the nursery fees through tax credits.

The Sure Start scheme, set up by the Government to help tackle poverty and social exclusion, will provide help and support for parents, and a space for parent and child groups.