THERE was an audible sigh of relief whispering around the Lithgow valley on Wednesday when the Gumnut House childcare centre resumed operations after an asbestos scare.
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For around 120 families there was no longer the need for contingency arrangements involving grandparents, friends and other childcare venues.
Working families had faced this dilemma since the popular Gumnut House was forced to cease operations on May 20 after traces of asbestos were found during soil testing in the playground.
While health authorities said the contamination was below levels likely to create a health hazard the owners of the site, Lithgow Council, elected to replace the soil in the playground.
As there had never been industrial activity on the site it is believed the contamination occurred when the area was being levelled years ago for a bowling green.
Gumnut House resumed normal operations on Wednesday.
A spokesperson, Dianne Speakman, said that council, the Education Department and Workcover had all signed off on the approval.
“And we’re delighted to be back,” she said.
