A COMMUNITY has dug deep to raise £65,000 for the revamp of a nursery in Cumnor.

Five years ago Cumnor Pre-School Nursery was promised a rebuild worth £300,000, but due to government cuts the plans were scrapped.

Undeterred, the community took matters into their own hands and raised the money for a refurbishment themselves.

Nursery supervisor Joanna Sims said: “The money was mostly our own fundraising.

“We had two fundraising efforts from the Cumnor mayor’s fund which was over £5,000 and the Cumnor Players gave us £1,500.

“We held regular cake sales and nearly new sales and we had a major open garden event where one of the parents opened their garden for people to enjoy.”

“It was a real community effort – a lot of people have been so generous.”

The nursery also organised a summer party with an auction of prizes and tickets which helped raise money.

Mrs Sims added: “We also had local people working on the refurbishment which they did for a basic rate.”

The independent nursery had a new roof, double-glazed windows, kitchen area and carpets fitted during the six-week summer holiday.

Nicola Blackwood, MP for Oxford West and Abingdon, was invited to the nursery on Friday to meet staff and parents.

She said: “I know just how much hard work has gone into funding and refurbishing the nursery – all built by local builders and tradesman.

“It’s a great achievement for all involved.”

The Rev Cannon Geoff Maughan, a governor of Cumnor Primary School, said: “I think it is great. They were hoping it would be a complete rebuild several years ago but then it was all cancelled. This is a very good alternative. It is a very important part of the community.”