THE future of Low Bentham Playgroup is under serious threat.

The group is said to be in a dire financial situation with the number of parents using it falling to dangerously low levels.

Assistant play leader Kay Sharples said last September the playgroup received Lottery cash totalling £1,150 to spend on equipment.

But she added: "Since we made the effort to get this money it seems a real shame that the equipment is not being used.

"Although we have never had lots of children coming to the club, we always had enough.

"Recently though things have been getting worse and there's been quite a drop in numbers."

Last week the group opened one of its sessions to just five children, who pay between £1 and £2.50 depending on the age of the child. However, Mrs Sharples said the cost of the room hire alone was around £6.50, there were staff charges to consider and there was no way the group could make a profit.

She continued: "We're now having to dip into the money in the bank to keep us going and there's only so much fundraising you can do before people start to get fed up with you. We're just going to have to wait and see what happens, and see if advertising more and doing more fundraising works.

"In the end though, we might have to give up if we're not raising enough money."

Play sessions take place each Tuesday and Thursday from 9.45 until 11.45am at the Victoria Institute, Low Bentham.

Mrs Sharples said the group could only afford to employ one paid play leader and all the other assistants helped out on a voluntary basis. However, two of the assistants are leaving in September and more helpers will be needed.

Anyone interested in volunteering would have the responsibility of arriving early at the play sessions, helping to set out the activities for that day and helping to run the session. Volunteers might also be asked to help with fundraising ideas and events.

Meanwhile, parents are invited to bring themselves and their children along to the playgroup for a free taster session.

To find out more about the playgroup or to volunteer your help, telephone play leader Chryssie Burgess on 015242 63233.