A LEYLAND playscheme which has kept thousands of school children entertained during the summer holidays for more than 25 years is upping sticks from Worden Park to a new venue.

This year -- for the first time since establishing 28 years ago -- the annual Leyland Playscheme will be based at Cuerden Hall, Bamber Bridge, and will be open to nearly 1,000 children from August 5-9.

The move follows a row between playscheme director Jim Green and bosses at South Ribble Borough Council who claim the retired youth worker still owes the authority money for use of its leisure facilities at last year's event.

But Mr Green has hit back saying the playscheme was not being charged a fair rate at Leyland Leisure Centre, Lancastergate, where children used various facilities during the week-long playscheme. And, he claims, despite applying to the council in January for permission to hold the playscheme in Worden Park, he has heard nothing since.

Councillor Brenda Wilson, portfolio holder for parks, leisure and the environment, said: "There are outstanding payments owing to the leisure centre. It isn't uncommon, but an arrangement needs to be made before we can approve the scheme."

Mr Green said: "This has been going on for ages, I haven't refused to pay the leisure centre but they were charging us the normal rate and that isn't good enough." Now he says he is tired of filling in forms and waiting for permission to stage the event even though the authority allow him to use the park for free.

But his actions could mean the end of a council grant of up to £2,000 which Mr Green receives every year towards costs.

South Ribble Borough Council leader Howard Gore said they had done their best to accommodate the playscheme over the years, but without the necessary paperwork submitted on time there was nothing they could do. He said: "We must adhere to health and safety issues and we need the relevant paperwork in on time. If he goes ahead with the scheme at Cuerden Hall I suspect he won't get a grant as it is not in South Ribble but Chorley."

Despite the move, Mr Green is expecting hundreds of youngsters to turn up to the event where children can take part in a range of fun activities.

"It's a chance for children to enjoy themselves and play together. We have horseriding, abseiling, canoeing, swimming and workshops. It gives children who don't have a holiday the chance to get out and do something different," said Mr Green.

Rented buses will take children to and from the event and the cost remains £30 for each child. For details call Mr Green on 621514.