THE organisers of a long-established playgroup in Haydon Bridge have appealed to the community for help in securing its future.

Haydon Bridge Playgroup and Tiny Tots caters for more than a dozen pre-school age children each week.

But the future of the volunteer-led group is hanging in the balance after 25 years in the village.

The playgroup has had to move out of its former home at Haydon Bridge fire station, which is set to close in the autumn as a result of cost-cutting measures by Northumberland County Council.

But it will only be able to move into its proposed new base at the community centre, on Ratcliffe Road, if enough funds can be raised to keep the group afloat.

Organisers and parents attended last Thursday’s meeting of Haydon Parish Council to ask for help.

Secretary Lesley Thorburn said money would have to be spent on making a room at the community centre suitable for playgroup use.

This would be in addition to rent, which it previously paid for use of the fire station from fund-raising activities and donations.

She said: “There is a room upstairs at the community centre which we are looking to use, but we do need to generate funds if we are going to make a success of it.

“Lots of families benefit from the playgroup.

“It’s where pre-school age children make new friends, and parents get to know each other.

“Funding is one concern, but we would also welcome support from volunteers who can help, whether it be with book keeping or in another capacity.

“I’ve been volunteering with the playgroup for 10 years.

“There will come a point when some of us will move on, and the parish council could perhaps help us with that process.”

Local county councillor Alan Sharp agreed to give the group a donation of £250 from his council member’s allowance.

He said: “This is to get you started.

“In my view, it is very important that the children have got a place like this to go to before they begin formal education.”

Haydon Bridge’s summer duck race provides an annual cash boost for the playgroup, while other funding streams are also being actively pursued.

Haydon Bridge’s fire station site is now up for sale, having been put on the market last week by cash-strapped Northumberland County Council.

joseph.tulip@hexham-courant.co.uk