Play scheme put on hold

THE annual summer play scheme in Stockton heath which would cost £1,000, has been put on hold by the Parish Council because of falling numbers.
Members heard that numbers attending the scheme, at St Thomas’ Church Hall, had been falling for several years. Last year attendance was at an all-time low with an average of only five children each day.
Clerk Peter Briggs said: “The figures are a continuation of a trend set in previous years.”
Coun Helen Dutton said the figures were “dire.”
Members heard that other play schemes were held in the area during the summer. To stage the two-week scheme in August would cost £1,000. They agreed to cancel the scheme for this year, and reconsider it for 2011 if there was more demand.
Coun Graham Roughsedge had organised a survey of possible scheme attendance at the two village primary schools. Few questionnaires were returned, and few of those who replied said their children were likely to attend. He recommended the scheme be cancelled.