YOUNGSTERS have thanked a Romsey councillor for spearheading plans for a £200,000 new pre school.

Children from King's Somborne Nursey created a card for councillor Tony Ward who has been backing the plans for the new nursery to be built on the site King’s Somborne Village Hall.

Katie Grant, who is the manager at the nursery which is currently based in the village hall said: "The staff and children decided to create the card as a way to say a big thank you.

"We know how much hard work he has put in and the children are very excited.

When asked about how the new nursery building will be beneficial Katie said:" It currently takes so much time to set up the nursery and we have to pack everything away every night so other people can use the village hall.

"It will be nice for us to have our own space."

Councillor Ward said that he was "absolutely overwhelmed" when he received the card and described it as a "real boost."

He added: "There was a lot of thought that went into it and this new purpose built facility will really benefit the children."

The money for the new building will come from Test Valley Borough Council, Hampshire County Council and some European funds.

Tony said the building will be a pre-fabricated building and confirmed that construction work was set to start next week.

He said the new building will also free up more space in the village hall which is currently used by the pre-school and will allow children and teachers to run afternoon and breakfast clubs.

He also said that when it is not used by the pre-school the new building could be used by the community for a series of events such as exhibitions and talks.

As previously reported, more than 60 local residents sent letters to the borough council to support the application.

But some neighbours questioned the scheme, with suggestions that building on recreational green belt land will “set a precedent” for future developments.