A PRE-SCHOOL left devastated after a suspected arson attack, has been able to start the school term on a positive after an influx of donations from locals.

But with holes still in the roof and mould spreading in the damaged areas, Jack and Jill Pre-school is still feeling the effect of the blaze at its West Bicester Community Centre base.

Dozens of toys were destroyed in July's fire, and storage and offices ruined, but nursery staff have thanked the community for its "incredibly generous" response which enabled them to open on time.

However, there has been frustration at a perceived slow reaction from Cherwell District Council to fix the problems.

Pre-school manager Bekki Barker said: "We had lots of people volunteer toy donations, equipment and money, various local community groups also held fundraisers for us.

"It was around £2,500 plus all the physical donations.

"Local people also offered their services to help tidy up and ensure we could open in time for the new term.

"It is a really positive spin on what was an awful thing; the community have been incredibly generous.

"Although we felt slightly abandoned by the council, we have not been by the community who have rallied round with support anyway they can."

Since the suspected arson attack on Tuesday, July 26, Cherwell District Council has had a temporary wooden partition put in to block off the areas affected by the fire.

This means the charity cannot use its storage space, office/staffroom and part of the pre-school hall.

A hole still remains in the roof which was destroyed by the blaze and smoke damage, damp and mould has taken over the rooms inside.

Ms Barker added: "It has been eight weeks of constant chasing to get things sorted with the council.

"It is upsetting and frustrating because we have tried so hard to make sure it has not had an impact on the children and families.

"But really it is not fair on our staff who have no staff room and my office is currently working from a cardboard box."

Cherwell District Council says dealing with the damage is top of its list of things to and hope to start work in the coming fortnight.

Spokesman Tom Slingsby said: "Following the arson attack Cherwell District Council promptly put measures in place to ensure that the nursery could reopen in September, whilst working to protect the health and safety of staff and children.

"Since then the council has continued to treat the case as a high priority and has been working with insurance assessors and contractors to effect repairs at the earliest available opportunity.

"Cherwell would like to thank nursery staff, parents and children for their patience."

The charity pre-school is also now in the running for a possible £12,000 donation from Tesco's BagsofHelp initiative through the sale of bags for life.

It is up against two other charities for the top prize and customers can vote in the Bicester store from October 31 to November 13.