RESIDENTS of Ingoldmells have been doing their bit to help secure the future of the village's after school club.

The club currently meets three times a week at the Church Hall but it could be facing uncertain times in 2010 if Lincolnshire County Council go ahead with plans to cut its funding.

The group was set up in 1994 after the village was seen to suffer high levels of deprivation due to its large transient population and seasonal unemployment levels.

Fees to attend the club have been kept as low as possible to enable children from low income families to attend, but if funding is cut, it could see charges rise to around £4 a session.

Last week, local couple Carol and Gerry Howes, set up a Santa's Grotto in the front room of their home on Elizabeth Crescent to help raise funds.

Mrs Howes explained: "Our daughter, Rebecca, has been attending the club since she was five and she still has two years left at the local primary school.

"She loves going, it is good for the kids as it gives them somewhere to go, they can let off steam and its given them some great opportunities."

The grotto opened to local children for four nights, providing mince pies and refreshments and presents from Santa and in return asked for donations to the club.

Mrs Howes added: "It is such a good cause, if we can help to keep it running then we are going to. We plan to continue fundraising next year."

Ann Hurdman has helped to run the club since it opened 15 years ago: "I am overwhelmed by the actions of local people. Many of them do not have much themselves but are willing to lobby others to try and ensure the club's future.

"Particularly in the winter, some residents have to move out of caravans into small flats and their children need somewhere to play. I've been assured there are no plans for closure but if fees are forced to rise, people won't be able to afford it."

Debbie Barnes, Assistant Director of Children's Services said that as with others in the county, Ingoldmells will have to find ways to make itself sustainable and plan for its long term future.

"Children's Services receive a grant from government which is used to fund clubs across the county. We provide funding to Ingoldmells at this present time - this is to help clubs to start up but they should then aim to be self sustaining through grants or charging.

"It's not possible for the council to keep funding these type of clubs in the long term. We will continue to offer our support and guidance as we value this extended provision for local children."