Farewell to Playbus - with hopes of a speedy return

Lack of funding has resulted in the familiar double-decker in Hartlepool returning to the garage for good.

The Families First's Playbus, equipped with face-painting, soft play, arts and crafts and a book and toy library, has brought play for children and advice for parents for the past 17 years.

It will be grounded - but officials hope it won't be for long.

Wendy McLoughlin, manager of Families First, said: "This is the first time we have had to curtail the Playbus.

"It is sad, because the children really love it. But I can't see the Playbus being away for good.

"We will reinvent the service to offer more activities, such as parenting and family support, liaising with schools and linking up with young people's projects. Hopefully, people will see the big yellow Playbus up and running again early next year."

The first Playbus hit the streets in 1988 and the present double-decker is the third to have taken the role.

The present Playbus has been funded by the New Deal for Communities (NDC) programme for the past three-and-a-half years, but that money will run out in the next few weeks.

Ms McLoughlin said the problem has been compounded by Government policies and their overall impact on independent trusts and grant providers who believe there is no longer a need for external funding.

She said: "The Playbus has been a flagship project. A lot of other initiatives have followed from it, such as after-school clubs and street play initiatives.

"But although we have to withdraw the service for a while, I have nothing but happy memories."

The Playbus operated four days a week, between 9am and 5.30pm, visiting places across the town as well as Rift House, Foggy Furze, Clavering and Throston.

An estimated 7,000 children have climbed aboard each year.

Families First, an organisation which helps children to learn and develop through play activities, also operates a Health Bus, which offers advice and information to residents.