AN ONLINE fundraising page to help a Benarty childcare facility open up again has been launched.

Kids Come First was forced to close suddenly last month and an Extraordinary General Meeting is due to take place this coming Thursday, March 14, when, it is hoped, a decision could be made which will allow its reopening.

Local mum Michelle Coyle has now launched a gofundme page aimed at raising enough money to help it get back on its feet.

She explained: "Kids Come First shut suddenly, leaving parents without much-needed childcare and staff without jobs. This was a shock for us all and I think everyone would agree Kids Come First is an asset to the Benarty community and a vital service.

READ MORE: Kids Come First could reopen after 'heartbreaking' closure

"There is a meeting on the March 14, and we're hoping to see a big turn out for this, and that the club gets the much-needed support it deserves.

"I am reaching out to the community of Benarty and further afield for help in raising funds to reopen the club."

As reported last week in the Times, staff at Kids Come First have appealed to the charity's existing committee to "resign correctly" so that the people of Benarty can make the choice of voting in another committee.

Money will then have to be raised to allow the club to open its doors back up.

Local councillor Mary Lockhart has described the facility as a "vital service" and pledged to support any efforts made by parents to ensure that it survives.

"Kids Come First is a fabulous charity which about three years ago went through a very difficult patch," she said. "It is an excellent club which provides a facility that is so much needed. The council has other childcare facilities but not in Benarty.

"Councillor Erskine and I are making every step that we can to help the charity to survive because we regard it as an essential service in the Benarty community."

Anyone wanting to donate can do so here.