Parents are being urged to get more involved in a Perthshire playgroup to save it from stringent cuts.
Although funding from Perth and Kinross Council will no longer be available after July 1, members of Burrelton Playgroup believe they can still carry on.
The Playstart scheme offered by the local authority will be withdrawn within the next two months, making it the responsibility of parents to continue the service which has been running for 26 years.
However, empty spaces on the committee must be filled before grants can be secured or monetary support sought and the playgroup’s chairwoman Sarah Isles has issued a plea to parents in the Burrelton and Woodside area to come forward and pledge their commitment.
“Several members of the committee are wanting to stand down because they have done their time,” she said. “We are looking for three people to fill these spots and help run the playgroup.
“There are quite a lot of funding groups out there, but until we have a committee and can guarantee the future of the group we can’t justify getting money in. Getting the funding is a big part and getting the people in place is another.”
She added, “If people do want to get involved with the playgroup, all we ask is that they live in the local area and have a child attending. However, if anyone else was willing to offer their time to help out then we gladly ask them to get in touch.”
An extraordinary general meeting will take place on Saturday morning at 10.30 in Burrelton village hall when committee members will try to generate interest.
All are welcome to attend to find out more or to register their interest in supporting the group, or alternatively email enquiries@burreltonplaygroup.com.
“If people don’t do something now then this service might not be here in the future,” added Ms Isles. “There is nothing else in the local area for parents of young children and the playgroup provides a vital break for mums and dads. If we don’t fight for this then we will definitely lose it.”