A shortage of pre-school places in Worthing has been brought sharply into focus.

Many pre-schools are being forced to turn away children as demand from parents outstrips supply and there are long waiting lists for places.

The acute shortage prompted a nursery at 5 Chaucer Road to apply for planning permission to increase the number of youngsters using the facility by 16 to 44.

But the proposal sparked four objections from people concerned about parking problems, car pollution and noise from children playing.

But the applicant, Melanie Marchant, argued: "My plan is to create a pre-school for children aged three to five years only, on the first floor.

"These children would receive nursery funding from the local authority, fulfilling government quotas for nursery places.

"I have a lot of parents whose children attend and would like to bring their younger siblings but, at the moment, I do not have the places available.

"By increasing the numbers, I could accommodate them without any loss of amenities.

"Naturally there would be some extra traffic but we would try to keep this to a minimum.

"I do not forsee any increase in noise in the garden. The expansion would also create four new jobs."

Councillors agreed to give the expansion an 18-month trial, during which time any problems will be gauged.

Have you had trouble finding a place for your child in Worthing? Write to Paul Holden at 35 Chapel Road, Worthing, BN11 1EG, or email paul.holden@theargus.co.uk