PRE-SCHOOL leaders are launching a fundraising and marketing drive in a bid to enable the closure-threatened group to continue.

Acton Bridge Pre-School is based at the village’s parish rooms, and provides childcare for children aged two and a half to five.

It has seven children signed up from September, but needs another three to make the running of the group cost-effective.

The pre-school trustees have agreed the group will continue for another 12 months, during which they will seek to raise £5,000 to enable it to keep going if no further children join.

If the group succeeds in attracting at least three more children the funds raised will provide it with a ‘buffer’ for next year.

“Our village pre-school is in serious threat of closure,” said pre-school trustee Rose Rowland, who lives in Acton Bridge and whose daughter Maisie attends the group.

“We currently don't have enough children signed up for September to continue – we have seven and need another three to make it cost-effective to open.”

The group has received a boost from Cheshire West ward councillors, who have pledged £1,000 between them to fund a marketing budget for the pre-school.

The group has given out leaflets in Weaverham, has put up a banner in the village and is planning to put up posters in Norley, Crowton, Weaverham and Acton Bridge to promote the pre-school.

It is also putting fliers in the Acton Bridge newsletter, and is planning to have a pop-up stand at local shows and fetes.

Rose said the group was looking to raise the £3,600 of the target by Christmas, and the first fundraising event is Party in the Paddock on September 5.

The fundraiser in Chapel Lane, Acton Bridge, will feature a band and a disco, and tickets are £15, which are available by calling 07999 633011.

There are also plans for a Halloween children’s party and a Christmas fair.

“We had a meeting at the parish rooms and agreed to carry on for another 12 months and to see how it goes,” said Rose.

“If we don’t have more children we have to raise £5,000 to keep it going.

“We don’t spend any money on advertising, it is just word of mouth, and we have to raise our profile.

“People are not aware of the pre-school, which is a hidden gem, and I hope we have a good chance to save it.

“We are asking people to support us and the fundraising events, but more than anything we need more children.”

Each session can accommodate up to 19 children, and children come from communities including Weaverham, Hartford, Northwich, Acton Bridge, Crowton, Gorstage, Norley and Kingsley.

To contact the pre-school call 07999 633011.