1 February 2005

Government grant for Kelburn Playcentre

Kelburn Playcentre has been granted the money it needs to repair asbestos walls and redevelop unhygienic toilet facilities, Wellington Central MP, Marian Hobbs, advised the playcentre today.

"The government asked the playcentre to clarify details of their application," Marian Hobbs said. "The report makes clear the asbestos is a vital health and safety issue. Now that these issues have been clarified the Minister of Education, Trevor Mallard, has approved the grant of $71,369.50 from a small under spend in discretionary grants funding.

"It would have been tragic if, through lack of repairs, this playcentre had been forced to close. Playcentres are a valuable option in early childhood education. They are run by parents and are as much about parent learning as children learning.

"I am grateful that Mr Mallard has been able to deal with the application so rapidly within days of him receiving the requested clarification."

ENDS

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