COMMUNITY efforts are still underway to keep Mudeford Wood Preschool at its current site.

Parents and residents are still fighting to keep the preschool at the Mudeford Wood Community Centre.

On Monday, November 18, a general meeting was held at the community centre, where parents and residents were able to produce statements about the preschool.

Emily Hernon, Mudeford Wood Preschool manager, was also present at the meeting, said it was “very well attended”, yet they weren’t allowed to ask questions.

Emily said: “The community support has been outstanding.”

She said the preschool has been told it's at the “heart of our community” by parents and residents.

The chairman and the vice chairman for Highcliffe and Walkford Parish Council, Adam Sofianos and Andy Martin, have expressed their support for the preschool.

Councillors Andy Martin and Adam Sofianos have both attempted to engage with Mudeford Wood Community Trust, asking for multiple meetings, but are yet to meet with them.

Councillor Andy Martin said: “They are unwilling to engage with me and other community representatives.”

He said: “They have a duty and responsibility to explain themselves to the community.

“I am concerned about the accountability, scrutiny , governance and transparency of the trust and I am staggered to learn that they feel they are not accountable to anyone.”

Councillor Adam Sofianos, who is SEND campaigner, said: “For a setting to succeed for vulnerable children, they need stability, routine, familiarity and they need adults that they know they can trust.

“There is a great deal of alarm, not only that the facility can be lost but it will be massively disruptive for the children’s education and wellbeing.

"We're calling for the Trust to reconsider."

In a comment provided by Mudeford Wood Community Trust, it said: “It is disappointing that Mudeford Wood Preschool representatives and others have issued public statements on social media and other platforms, that totally misrepresent the facts, the reasons behind the decision taken and seek to discredit the Trust with misinformation.”

The trust reiterates the preschool “failed to comply” with health and safety regulations.

It said: “By failing to comply, the preschool placed the centre at risk of immediate closure and the trustees at risk of prosecution.

“That situation could not be tolerated any longer.”

Both the chairman and vice chairman from the parish council are still keen to meet with the trust to find a resolution.

Councillor Adam Sofianos said: “I’m absolutely confident that we can find a solution to this, as long as the community trust are willing to discuss it”.

The preschool manager said they have not posted any comments or statements on social media platforms, reminding people that any information shared on their website and directly with parents is truthful.