IT will be impossible to run a summer playscheme this year, according to Abbots Langley Parish Council.

Following the resignation of the playscheme's organiser, the authority admitted it would be difficult to run the scheme as no replacement had been found and an inspection by Ofsted was now required.

At a meeting of the parish council on Monday, clerk Philip Truppin said the inspection was not possible within the timescale.

He added that, under Three Rivers District Council's new grant application scheme, which is based on percentage population, the parish council would receive a grant worth only 65 per cent of what it had set aside in the budget.

Mr Truppin said these factors had conspired to make the running of the scheme "impossible". He said: "It's a matter of regret to me."

Members discussed reinstating the scheme next year and organising an alternative for this year.

Parish councillor Mrs Angela Laval asked if the authority could use the money allocated in its budget to support other schemes in the area.

Parish councillor Mrs Sara Bedford suggested they contact Woodlands YMCA, which runs a playscheme approved by the district council.

However, with a budget of just £5,000, fellow member Mr Barry Highland said such a scheme would not be practical.

Mrs Bedford suggested the parish council try to secure a grant from Hertfordshire County Council, which distributes funding for the scheme through the district council.

The money could then be used to offer discounts on other playschemes, while the authority sought help from Three Rivers about running its own scheme again in 2003.

Members agreed to pursue this course of action.

June 12, 2002 15:30