Service ends after 17 years - but nursery ready to expand thanks to council support

A 'LIFELINE' creche has announced its closure following 17 years of operation.

- Jonathan Sutton

The service run by Chell Area Family Action Group (CAFAG), pictured, provided a low-cost facility for countless families across the city four days a week.

Lack of sustainable funding - as well as the difficulty in securing it - has been blamed for the closure.

Previously the creche cost families just £1 per hour. If it was to continue in its current form that cost would skyrocket to £6 per hour.

A statement from CAFAG read: "Gratefully funded by Children in Need for the past decade, this cherished programme has supported countless families across Chell, Fegg Hayes, and wider Stoke-on-Trent.