An Oakengates playgroup could be forced to close unless a new team leader can be found, leaving more than a dozen youngsters without play facilities.
The Acorns Toddlers Group, which meets at Wombridge Church Hall every Friday morning, may have to close for good following the departure of its group leader who has been more than a decade at the helm.
No one has yet come forward to fill the voluntary post and parents are growing increasingly concerned about the future of the playgroup.
The facility is currently supervised by Julie Preece, from Wombridge, who has been leader of the group for more than 10 years.
The mother-of-two was originally set to hand over the reins in July after her youngest child became too old to attend the group.
But in a bid to keep the playgroup open, Julie has extended her stay until Christmas in the hope she can find a new volunteer.
She said: “I am really sad to be leaving but I do need to search for another job to support my two children and I am unable to sustain this volunteer job. I did enjoy working with the group, they are all a really happy and friendly bunch and I will miss working there.
“Nobody wants the playgroup to close but we have a real problem in recruiting a new volunteer because it can be a difficult job, so I can understand if it is difficult for people to find the time to do it.
“If we don’t find a new playgroup leader, then the kids may not have anywhere else to go once I leave and we may have to throw away all the toys we have been using for the playgroup.
“We have had some support from the Parochial Church Council and they said they would help us to find a new playgroup leader, but so far we’ve had no luck.
“Ideally it would be nice if we could also get some of the existing church members to get involved with the group as well as an overall group leader,” she said.
Mr John Lloyd, church warden at Wombridge Church said: “I think it would be a great shame for the playgroup to close.
“The group provides a good opportunity for young mums to get together and make friends. It also helps the children to interact with each other in a safe environment. We will continue spreading the word and helping in the search for a new playgroup leader and hopefully someone will come forward before Christmas.”
Anyone interested should call John Lloyd on (01952) 612362 or Julie Preece on (01952) 274849.