News story

21st June 2001

MP Welcomes Lifeline for Special Needs Playscheme

Northavon MP Steve Webb has warmly welcomed the news of a reprieve for the summer playscheme for children with special needs run each year at Dodington Parish Hall. The scheme had faced closure because of staffing shortages and also because of increasingly tight regulations about premises. A public meeting was held at Yate Leisure Centre on Monday 11th June which was attended by Steve Webb, along with councillors, council officials and many parents who were concerned about the closure of the scheme. The meeting was chaired by Sonia Furzland who is the “area facilitator” for the area. At that meeting, the scheme’s leaders Jan Horler and Miriam Teller generously offered to run the scheme for one further year, and a steering group was set up to consider how the other problems could best be overcome. Now Dodington Parish Council has agreed that its hall can be used again this Summer and the search is on for extra volunteers to help the scheme run smoothly.

Steve Webb said:

“It was very clear from the meeting just how much the scheme is valued by both parents and children. It gives the children something to look forward to during the Summer and can give parents a break and some time to spend with their other children. I am very grateful to Jan Horler and Miriam Teller for their willingness to lead the playscheme for another year, and also to Dodington Parish Council for being ready to host the scheme. We must now start planning for the longer-term so that appropriate holiday provision is in place for future years”.

The playscheme is looking for volunteers (aged 16 or above) who can help during the period 30th July to 10th August. Anyone interested should contact Jan Horler on 01454 881770 (evenings).



*** ENDS ***