FAMILIES have been left devastated after being forced out of a building used to host a beloved toddler group.

Parents and children from the Munchkins toddlers group in Barrow have been given until tomorrow to move out the Schneider Road Hall, prompting tears of sadness and anger from mums who wonder how they will cope without the sessions.

Tracy Matthews, 53, who runs the group, said she had spent the day in tears after hearing from the building’s tenant they would have to move out.

The Munchkins group welcomes as many as 60 parents and toddlers in daily sessions held at the hall.

Miss Matthews said: “I was heartbroken to be told the news. It was absolutely devastating to hear we would have to leave."

Mums who attend the group said it was an important part of their lives and gave them and their child something to do.

The building is rented by Marvellous Events, a company owned by Peter Garbacz, and is used to hold children’s parties.

The children's entertainment company took over running the former MS Society building in 2016.

Mr Garbacz said he had made a ‘business decision’ to move out of the building.

He said: “The business is going in a different direction. We are going to be more mobile rather than based in the building.

“There have been a lot of rumours doing the rounds, but this is purely a business decision I’ve made.”

Kirbi Redfern attends the group with her one-year-old son Koby.

She said: “What are we going to do and where are we going to go?

“This group is like a family. It’s not just a play group.

“Everyone cares about everyone here.

“I wonder how the mums who experienced anxiety after they gave birth are going to cope without the group.And the children absolutely love it.

"They will be so sad about this.”

Keyleigh Dodd attends Munchkins with her two-year-old daughter Evelyn.

She said: “It’s heartbreaking to think it’s not going to be here.

“All the children have grown up together.

“This is a group not just for the children but for the mums."