CRICKLADE Pre-school Play-group was tonight set to find out whether it will be allowed to re-locate to the old library building in Bath Road.

The playgroup had been promised a five-year lease of the site from North Wiltshire District Council, but the offer was withdrawn in case the area could be developed by Westlea Housing Association for affordable housing.

Staff and parents were bitterly disappointed when NWDC backtracked on the offer in June and they have been campaigning against the decision ever since

Tonight members of the executive committee of NWDC will decide whether the group can use the vacant premises.

Ruth Guy, playgroup supervisor, is hoping that the group can move into larger premises because it has outgrown the annex next to the town hall, where it has been based for 40 years.

She said: "We were really disappointed when they withdrew the offer, but I don't want to harp on about that, what's done is done.

"They seemed to have reversed the decision and changed their mind.

"There is nothing in writing yet but we expect a final decision at the council meeting tonight

"It's a great shame we have lost all the summer. We could have been in the building if they had not pulled the plug at the start.

"We are cautiously optimistic that things will happen fast once we sign the paper work. We are not wildly jubilant but fairly confident.

"Hopefully we can drum up lots of support including financial support and be in the premises by Christmas."

Leader of NWDC, Coun David Packham, (Lib Dem, The Lydiards), will be recommending the playgroup be offered a five-year lease with a three-year break clause at tonight's meeting.

He said: "The reason why I am supporting the playgroup is simply because they have a strong case and it is up to my colleagues whether they go along with it.

"The district council had to consider its priority of providing social housing this is a mandatory duty imposed by the government.

"The reason why the offer was withdrawn is because we were obliged to consider the housing association's proposals.

"But the housing association will be taking at least 18 months before it even gets on site and that is far too long to keep the playgroup waiting.

"The break clause is necessary because obviously if a proposal comes up, the district council has a duty to consider."