Lochside Playgroup, with a roll of 21, will be out of their home by early summer.

But organisers say they have every confidence that West Lothian Council will come up with even better premises for them in plenty of time.

Mum-of-two Donna Grose, who chairs the parents' committee at the playgroup, said: "It's very sad. Lochside has a 40-year history here and we have at least one parent now who went here themselves.

"It will be the end of an era, but we're confident the council will have premises which will have equal if not better accommodation.

"The council has made promises and we're holding all our confidence in them that they will live up to their promises for Lochside."

The playgroup is the only one in the town to have received top marks in all four categories at its last care commission, and has a healthy waiting list.

Mrs Grose, who has two sons, Brodie (3) and Blake (1), said: ''I have been incredibly happy with Lochside. My son goes to nursery now, but has been so happy that he still goes to playgroup and Blake is going on the waiting list."

The playgroup, along with other groups which use it, might move into the newly refurbished Burgh Halls, which are due to open to the public in May 2010. The after-school club is understood to be looking for premises within Low Port School.

A West Lothian Council spokesperson said: "The huts at Low Port were temporary buildings and have now come to the end of their shelf life. 

"Last winter part of the roof blew off and construction services did temporary repairs.

"A considerable amount would have to be spent to bring them up to an acceptable condition as well as meet health and safety standards. Given the economic climate, we have a duty to investigate all available options.

"At the beginning of this month the council began a consultation process with the user groups to get their views on alternative venues and accommodation.  

"Many user groups may end up returning to the Burgh Halls but we did not want to begin consultations until we had alternative venues identified for at least some of the groups."

A meeting is now set to be held with user groups early in the New Year.

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