SUMMER playschemes will be free for local children thanks to funding from Inverclyde Council.
Councillors voted unanimously in favour of the proposals, which are expected to cost around £20,000, at a meeting this week.
The idea was proposed by Councillor Jim Clocherty and seconded by Councillor Francesca Brennan.
Councillor Clocherty said: “Times are incredibly tough for everyone as we battle with the ever-increasing cost of living and we, as a council, are doing all we can to try and mitigate that and support families.
“Fully funding playschemes to ensure young people can gain entry for free will provide some relief to parents and carers as they try to keep their children entertained during the school summer holidays and keep costs as low as possible.
“I would like to thank my fellow councillors for their unanimous support and I’m sure families will make the most of the free summer playschemes and the children and young people in attendance will have terrific fun with their friends.”
Councillor Brennan said: “There are already many council-funded events and activities organised as part of Summer of Fun 22 with many free to attend or subsidised, including Pictures in the Park at Battery Park this Saturday and Sunday.
“To be able to fund playschemes to make them free of charge on top of everything else that is coming up will be a real bonus to many families that are struggling with the cost of living crisis.
“Playschemes have been around for as long as I can remember and are always popular and I’m sure they will be once again this summer.”
The proposals cover playschemes operated by Inverclyde Leisure or directly funded by the council.
They are at Newark, Kilmacolm, St Patrick’s, Aileymill, Moorfoot, Inverkip schools and the Auchmountain centre, plus plus Youth Connections, Craigend, Branchton and Play4All (including the Play4All out-of-school care provision).
