Vital funds for out-of-school club

A Levenmouth children’s club has been awarded £7,000 to keep it operating.

Poppyview Family AfterSchool Club in Methil has been given the money by Fife Council’s Levenmouth area committee, which heard it was a vital resource in the area.

The grant will be used to continue to provide transport for children from outlying local schools to the club.

Councillors were told pressure on the out-of-school transport budget had been significant over several years, with more than £35,000 being awarded each year.

Following budget cuts this year, a cap of £7,000 has been introduced.

In a report to the committee, children’s services team leader Carol Notman said: “The club is registered for 40 children, supplying a service to the general public by providing out-of-school care which is a highly valued and much-needed community facility.

“This in turn allows parents and carers to take up employment or training opportunities.”

During term-time, the service operates from Monday to Friday between 3pm and 6pm.

It also operates an eight-week holiday service and opens for in-service days during the year.

Councillors were keen to award funding, saying it was an important service which had to continue.

Committee convener Ken Caldwell said: “This is a great resource.”