Lease extended for one year but campaigners say fight will continue

A popular nursery in Queen’s Park threatened with closure has been granted a stay of execution after their lease was extended for another year by Brent Council.

Hopscotch Nursery, in Chevening Road, was under threat after the council kept tight-lipped about whether they would be extending the lease on the building, due to run out next summer.

Following months of campaign work, including submitting an 800 strong petition and visiting Westminster to enlist the help of local MP Glenda Jackson, the lease was extended until 2014.

Gali Gold, chairman of Hopscotch’s management committee, said: “It is a relief that our short term future is secure but the most important thing is to now secure a long-term solution with the council.

“We feel adamant that we want to stay in these premises and we have various suggestions for use of the whole building that could benefit all parties.”

Hopscotch, which was set-up 26 years ago, is one of the few nurseries in the borough offering full-time places.

A daily drop-in session catering for around 100 children is also held every weekday morning.

Their future was previously dependent on the Islamia School, which is temporarily occupying the upper two floors of the building however the council has announced Hopscotch will be given the extra year regardless of Islamia’s plans.