The former manager of a Oxford pre-school which was forced to close earlier this month has called for buidling to be used for the future benefit of children.

Sarah Pearson, who ran Blackbird Leys Pre-School for nine of its 21 years, spoke out after rumours spread that a community radio station might move into the building, which is situated behind Blackbird Leys Community Centre.

Mrs Pearson said she wanted the building to be used for children, not a community radio station.

OX4 Radio has been looking for a permanent home since the station had to leave Cowley Community Centre in April, after the building was condemned by fire safety experts.

The radio station, which first broadcast in October 2006, has since been operating from Jubilee 77 Community Centre in Sorrel Road, Blackbird Leys, but only on a temporary basis.

Community centre manager Paul Issacs confirmed OX4 Radio had made inquiries about the building, but that discussions were at an early stage.

He said: "Although I'm sure the radio station would like to move into the space, there might be an issue with planning constraints.

"There's a long way to go before anything could happen and I have a feeling for planning reasons if for nothing else the station won't able to move in - it's a long way away.

"No decision has been made - but it would be really good if we could retain the space for the benefit of the community.

"If the station is not able to move in because of planning constraints, there are one or two other possibilities in the Blackbird Leys area."

However, Mrs Pearson believed the vacated-building's best use would be for nursery age children.

She said: "It would be a kick in the teeth. We have spent more than £5,000 equipping the building and grounds for children.

"Even the playground markings cost £1,000. It's just a brilliant outside space - it would be such a waste."

The pre-school was forced to close after local primary schools decided to allow youngsters into mainstream education when they turned three in a shake-up of admissions policy.

No one from OX4 Radio was available for comment