VOLUNTEERS behind the bid to secure funds for a new playgroup building for Broadwell and Coalway feel that they have been let down by the Government. They say its claim to put education at the top of the agenda is a hollow one.
Ann Smallwood, of Coleford, has helped the group in writing the bids to the Lottery for the much needed building.
"So far they have been turned down twice for money. This is the third time they have applied, and in the meantime we have no room for all the children waiting for places. There are 40 children who cannot be offered a place," she said.
"This is a crazy state of affairs when we cannot provide basic early years education at a minimal cost, and have to take part in a lottery.
"It makes it all much worse when I see that the Millennium Dome is to get another £29 million on top of the half billion that has already been poured into the tourist attraction."
Councillor Smallwood said each education voucher the Government gave for the nursery scheme was £5 while the subsidy for each visitor to the Dome was £100.
"There lies the contrast in commitment. It is just so unfair to the children and their families here in Broadwell and Coalway and that they should suffer. This Government should ensure that funds are given to early years' education, and stop wasting time on putting up competitions."
Sarah Codd, one of the trustees, said: "We know there are funds available somewhere. Our community is deprived, discriminated against and desperate. We are asking for a small amount of help in order that we can help ourselves.
"I understand that more than half of the children are starting school with no pre-school education, and as a qualified teacher I know that this means greater difficulties later. It is imperative that we see some action from the Government, even if it has to be a Lottery win at this stage."