WE in Huntingdon are in danger of losing a valuable and important service for young children and their parents. Three-and-a-half years ago, a small group of dedicated individuals conceived and set up Moor Play, a drop-in group for the under-fives and thei

WE in Huntingdon are in danger of losing a valuable and important service for young children and their parents.

Three-and-a-half years ago, a small group of dedicated individuals conceived and set up Moor Play, a drop-in group for the under-fives and their parents. Initially, there was quite a lot of financial support from various businesses to facilitate the launch of this project.

Moor Play has since gained charitable status but due to a lack of donations, unsuccessful applications to large charitable organisations and general budgetary constraints, this vitally important facility now finds itself in crisis. If further funding is not secured by the end of March, there is a very real possibility that Moor Play may have to close.

This would be a huge blow for the parents and children that currently use it and to all those who have yet to discover it. Moor Play is unique in that it is available to the community from Monday to Friday (Monday and Friday mornings, Tuesday-Thursday afternoons) all year round, even when the schools are closed. Books, toys, cassettes and games can be borrowed and the whole service is totally free.

There are so many parents out there who feel isolated and alone (I was one of them), and to have a place where they and their children can play and socialise on a regular basis, to be able to get out of the house and share adult conversation is essential.

I would like to appeal to any businesses or individuals in Huntingdonshire who feel as strongly as I do to make a donation, however small, to the Moor Play Committee to help ensure that this facility continues to exist for the parents and children of our town.

If you wish to make a donation to Moor Play, please contact the treasurer of the Moor Play Committee, Mrs Julie Butcher, or you can e-mail julie.butcher@huntsdc.gov.uk

MRS ANDREA SEMARK, Coxons Close, Huntingdon