CYGNETS Pre-school has been forced to postpone the launch of their new Bratton school because of coronavirus.

The Bratton branch was due to open its doors on April 1, with a launch party on March 28, but following the latest Covid-19 guidance, Cygnets has suspended their opening.

Cygnets manager, Emma Osmond, said: “Obviously we’re disappointed because a lot of hard work has gone into getting to this point, but it’s important to follow the guidelines to keep everyone safe.

“We don’t know when we’ll have to postpone opening to; we have to shut for now, but we have no date we can reopen, we just have to play it day-by-day. Until we know it’s hard to judge what the impact will be.

“The support we have received from the local community has been nothing short of phenomenal.

“Our crowdfunding campaign has surpassed its initial target and we’ve received great support for every stage of the process.”

The announcement follows months of uncertainty, enormous community support and hard graft from a team of volunteers to install and equip the new setting in the Bratton Village Pavilion.

Since December, extensive refurbishments have been underway at the pavilion in the centre of Bratton.

Alongside donations of time and effort from volunteers and the school was funded through grants from Bratton Parish Council, Wiltshire Area Board and YMCA, as well as a crowdfunding campaign raising over £1,000.

While there the opening is postponed Cygnet was hopeful that a celebration event could take place in the summer to mark the pre-school’s opening.