AN after school learning group is fighting closure after three years' loyal service to local youngsters.

The After School Learning and Leisure Project is part of the Central Community Group at Mill House in Brook Street, Crewe.

The group provides free after school care to children aged 5-16 and this is made possible because of lottery funding.

However, this funding, which has kept the group going since its inception in 1998, officially ended last Friday, leaving the group temporarily closed and facing an uncertain future.

An open day was held on Friday, March 16, to try and promote the success of recent months and find funding.

Paula Pesic, leader of the group, said: "The meeting was an opportunity to reflect upon the success of the previous three years."

The group can cater for up to 30 children per afternoon but the Central Community Group's Margaret Hulse explained it would even consider cutting down on the number of days it opens or charging parents to bring their children in, unless more funding can be found.

The group was set to receive a lottery grant to fund an extra member of staff, costing £150,000, but this has had to be put on hold.

"We will possibly look at running the club on a three-day basis," explained Paula.

Paula and Margaret are not keen to charge for the valued service despite parents suggesting it.

"Children have been coming here free and we have looked at ways of putting a pricing policy in but obviously people are not that willing if something has been running free," said Paula.

"However, a lot of parents have said they are willing to pay, when they found out about the problems."

A lot of the children at the group come from deprived backgrounds and have both parents out at work, making the club invaluable to supplement their education.

"The children will have nowhere to go, children will now plonk themselves in front of the TV and they will not have the one-on-one tutoring," added Paula.

The multi-cultural club used to run from 3.15pm until 6.15pm every evening but has had to stop completely until more funding can be found.

The children would have an array of games and activities as well as access to CD Roms and one-on-one tutoring to help with educational work.

"We are like an extended family, if the children have any problems they can talk about them," added Paula.

The group would welcome any funding from companies, businesses or residents and anyone wanting to find out more should contact 587429.

FEATURE BY PETE HENSHAW