A COUPLE who opened a play centre so families would have facilities within walking distance are struggling to keep going.

Mike and Jennifer Lyall thought opening Playtime Local in High Street, March, would provide a great meeting place with state of the art play equipment for parents and their youngsters without transport.

But it seems many still find it too far to walk and the centre is failing to attract those it is most aimed at.

Mrs Lyall said: “It really is very disappointing. March is not such a big place, I don’t see any reason why people can’t walk here when they will get in a car and travel elsewhere.”

When they opened the centre, Mrs Lyall said: “We want to give something back to society, something for families.”

The centre which has dedicated play areas for different age groups and a cafe, is in the former Edgooses carpet and soft furnishings shop at 117-119 High Street.

Mrs Lyall said: “Everything has come from our own pocket and I don’t want to have to give up but we cannot keep on paying rates, rent, electric and gas when we don’t have the money coming in.

“We don’t need to make a huge amount of money, just enough to cover the bills and anything else is a bonus. Families moan that there is not enough to do in the town but they are not using what is here.”

New things introduced include a cafe for dads on Friday mornings and a playgroup from 10-12.30 on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Entry to both is free.

The centre is open from Monday to Saturday 10am-5.30pm with last entry at 4.30pm.