WORK on a new children's centre being built in the north of York is still ongoing - despite it being due to open four months ago.

A combination of supply issues and poor weather are being blamed for the delays building the facility at New Earswick Primary School, in Hawthorn Terrace, which includes new classrooms and community facilities all under one roof.

Some of the facilities are up and running, with the rest expected to be finished before the summer.

Head teacher Carole Farrar said: "We are settling into the school area of the building and we are making the most of the new and refurbished facilities. There is a great sense of space and when I take people round the building I am so proud now of how it looks and the facilities we have to offer the whole community.

"There have been one or two teething problems which have meant delays, but we are hoping the building will be ready by the end of the spring."

Two family learning courses are already under way and local health visitors are offering drop-in sessions between 2pm and 3pm every Tuesday.

There are seven other primary schools across the city earmarked to have Sure Start Intergrated Children's Centres (ICC) by 2008.

These are Hob Moor, Westfield, Clifton Green, Tang Hall, Haxby Road, St Lawrence's CE, in Heslington Road and Carr Infants and Juniors, in Acomb.

Miss Farrar said there were "exciting times ahead" for the school and the local community as the plans come together.

There will be improved learning facilities for the children, a new community arts room and community library at the centre. Sure Start is a Government programme which aims to help children, parents and communities by increasing the availability of childcare for all children, and by supporting parents.

Schools are being encouraged to stay open for longer, and to set up breakfast clubs, after school activities and holiday play schemes and the push for ICCs is part of that.

Parents wanting to know more about the children's centre can come to the next parents' forum meeting at the school on Friday, at 1.30pm.