March Play Centre gets the go-ahead from planners

FINISHING touches are being put to a new play centre in March which will soon be opening its doors to youngsters.

Mike and Jennifer Lyall learned today (Tuesday) that planners have given the go-ahead to the venture which will be based in 117-119 High Street in premises formerly occupied by Edgoose’s carpet and soft furnishings business.

The shop has already been transformed inside by the couple whose dream is to give something back to the community by providing a unique centre for mums and young children alongside a unit for older children with family orientated, non-violent electronic games.

Mr Lyall, a project manager, has been working in West Africa but the family have lived in March on and off for the last 10 years. The couple are committed Christians and while they will run the centre they will be helped by a band of volunteers from local churches.

Play Time Local and Game Time Local has been given its name because it is easily accessible and parents won’t need a car to get there. Mr Lyall said: “We have been contemplating doing something like this for a while. We wanted to give something back to society and are not doing it just for profit.”

Mums and toddlers aged from 0-3 years will be able to use the centre free of charge and there will be a modest charge for older children. The centre will be open from 10am to 7pm Monday to Friday. There will be a wide range of play equipment and refreshments and snacks will be on offer.

Two letters of objection were received by Fenland District Council because of possible issues with older children. The objectors maintained there were already facilities for youths at Young People March. Planners decided: “The use proposed will have little impact on the area; the site was previously a retail site and post office and the High Street sees a large amount of pedestrian activity in the area. The change of use application will not significantly increase the existing activity.”