Stuart Clarkson

10:00am - 2:00pm

Email the studio

The Black Eyed Peas

I Gotta Feeling

Listen Live Podcasts

Ilkley's longest running pre-school closes for good

Saturday, 25 April 2026 09:48

Ilkley Pre-School, which has been serving the local community since 1968, has announced this week that it has closed its doors for good.

The pre-school moved to new premises at Ilkley Cricket Club late 2025 after leaving its home for over five decades, the Friends Meeting House on Queens Road in Ilkley.

In March, staff launch a fundraising appeal, and announced that without £30,000 in emergency funding to cover essential costs including staff wages, rent and utilities, the pre-school would be forced to close.

Manager Tracey Fearnley said at the time:

“We are heartbroken to even be in this position. Ilkley Pre-School has been part of this community for generations. We’ve supported thousands of children to become confident, independent and ready for school. Now we need the community’s support to help us continue.”

This week the pre-school confirmed the sad news in a Facebook statement:

"Good morning, not a post that we wanted to be sharing but unfortunately after more than 60 years Ilkley Pre-School has closed its doors.

"We would like to thank the hundreds of families that have trusted us to care for their children over the years, it has been an honour and a privilege.

"We would like to thank everyone for their support and kind words, we are devastated that it has come to this."

More from Local news

Darwin Gardens wins coveted Green Flag Award again

The Darwin Gardens Millennium Green Trust has announce that Darwin Gardens, the lovingly restored green space that celebrated its 25-year anniversary last year, has once again received a coveted Green Flag Award for 2026-27.
Ilkley firefighters assist in significant moorland fire

Firefighters from Ilkley joined crews from across the area in attending a significant moorland fire near Silsden Tuesday afternoon.
Rail engineering works will now extend to 7 days

Due to planned engineering improvement works, services on the Wharfedale Line will be amended for 4 days in July, and now 3 days in August.
Riverside toilets go green with new solar panels

Ilkley Town Council has installed new solar panels at the Riverside Gardens public toilet, providing renewable energy for many decades to come.
Tesco launches summer support campaign for families in Ilkley

Tesco is introducing a range of initiatives this summer to help support families during the school holidays, including food donation bags, fundraising for charities and free food offers for children.
Record crowds enjoy opening day of Great Yorkshire Show

The Great Yorkshire Show welcomed record crowds as its 167th event opened yesterday (Tuesday).
All welcome to Sunday's Ilkley Pride Coffee & Cake Social

Ilkley Pride & Diversity Group is looking forward to welcoming the community back for its next Coffee & Cake Social, taking place this Sunday from 2pm at Vitello Lounge, Ilkley.
Volunteers needed to stage Yorkshire Day weekend in Ilkley

The team behind this year's Yorkshire Day Weekend celebrations is calling on local people to get involved by volunteering at one of Ilkley's biggest community events of the summer.
Ilkley Half Marathon hailed a major community success

The Ilkley Half Marathon & 5K 2026 has been hailed a major success after thousands of runners, volunteers, supporters and local residents came together for a fantastic day of community sport on Sunday.
50 winners from successful community partnership at Ilkley Station

Fifty lucky local people are celebrating after winning a complimentary takeaway coffee or tea from La Stazione as part of a joint community initiative organised by Ilkley & District u3a and Friends of Ilkley Rail Station (FOIRS).
A new Ilkley Water Trails has been a success

The Ilkley Water Trails leaflet has been a resounding success since its launch earlier in the year.
No Town of Culture accolade for Ilkley

Ilkley didn't make the shortlist for the first Town of Culture accolade – it was revealed today.
Discover Nell Bank's Most Wanted Birds this summer!

The countdown is on...! Nell Bank are now putting the finishing touches to their Summer Discovery Days.
Bradford Council ranks second highest in region for garden waste charges

Bradford Council has been ranked the second most expensive council in Yorkshire for garden waste collections, according to new research.
Ziplining into her 90s this weekend in Ilkley!

This weekend, absolutely 'moo-vellous' Joan will be celebrating her 90th year by taking on Sue Ryder's high-speed zipline challenge - Zip The Cow!
St John’s to screen People’s Emergency Briefing

A free community screening of The People’s Emergency Briefing will take place at St. John’s Church, Ben Rhydding, on Sunday 26th July at 6.30pm, followed by a discussion to explore the climate and nature crisis.
Yorkshire Water urges customers to cut water use during heatwave

Yorkshire Water has urged customers to use water wisely after demand soared by around 150 million litres in a single day.
Review: Upstagers' Addams Family - a musical comedy to die for!

Imogen Clark reviews The Addams Family on stage until Saturday at the King's Hall in Ilkley.
Ilkley guest house celebrates winning 'Best Breakfast' in AA B&B Awards

One Tivoli Place Guest House is celebrating after winning Best Breakfast of the Year at the 2026 AA B&B Awards, while The Penny Bun in Askwith has been crowned Inn of the Year for England.
Summer Makers’ Fair returns to Ilkley Manor House

Ilkley Manor House’s Summer Makers’ Fair returns this month offering a weekend of creativity, community and craftsmanship.