Rachel Gilmour, MP for Tiverton and Minehead, has voiced strong support for expanding nursery facilities in Bishops Lydeard, urging the parish council to allocate local development funds to tackle a critical shortage of early years places.
During a visit to Bishops Lydeard Church School, Rachel Gilmour met with parents, residents, and school officials to discuss plans to convert the adjacent old schoolhouse into additional nursery space. The redevelopment project, valued at approximately £370,000, aims to ease mounting pressure caused by the nursery’s current full capacity and long waiting lists that force families to seek childcare in neighboring towns like Taunton and Wiveliscombe.
The expansion proposal recently suffered a setback when an application for a Department for Education capital grant was rejected. Nonetheless, the Bath & Wells Multi Academy Trust, which runs the school, has committed to match external grant funding up to £150,000.
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Local campaigners argue that with nearly £800,000 in Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) funds available, the parish council has the resources to bridge the financial gap. Residents have expressed concerns about past spending decisions, such as £60,000 allocated to a traffic consultancy, highlighting the importance of prioritizing vital community infrastructure like nursery spaces.
Phil Durban, co-chair of the Bishops Lydeard Residents Action Group, praised Rachel Gilmour’s ongoing support: “Parents and residents had the opportunity to show Rachel their strong backing for direct funding from the £795,000 CIL held by the parish council. Rachel has actively supported our campaign since speaking at our village hustings in June, and we are grateful for her commitment.”
Rachel emphasized the project’s significance, stating: “Investing even a fraction of the CIL funds in the nursery expansion is essential for securing the village’s future. Especially given plans to build up to 130 new family homes in the west of the village, enhancing facilities and infrastructure must be a priority. I urge Bishops Lydeard Parish Council to back this vital initiative.”