Creche survey

Press, 24 August 1988, Page 11

Creche survey

The Riccarton town centre might soon have a creche for children whose parents want to leave them for a few hours while shopping. Cr Barbara Woods, of the Riccarton Borough Council, said approaches from various sectors of the Riccarton community showed there was a need for such a creche. A survey of shoppers in three weeks would be used to assess who would use the creche and for how long. “Once we find out how many are likely to use the creche we can hire professional childcare workers,” said Cr Woods. The borough community affairs officer, Ms Penelope Goldstone, said that while the Riccarton Borough Council supported a creche, it was up to the community to set this up. Cr Woods said the Riccapton Businessmen’s Association had indicated

it would pay the first six months rent for the creche if facilities were found in the Riccarton town centre. Professional childcare workers’ salaries would be the most costly, but Cr Woods was confident the Education Department would meet some of this expense. Cr Woods said the creche would probably be open at first fdr three days a week, but she hoped that eventually the creche could also be used by working and student parents. “University students live in the Riccarton area and I am sure many of them would appreciate an alternative when the university creche is closed during holidays,” said Cr Woods. Ms Goldstone said two Riccarton properties were being considered, and the hope was for the creche to be opened Christmas.