FAMILIES in Tullibody will be left without any out of school care, following the collapse of the only service provider in the area.

The Tullibody Out of School Care Club (TOOSCC) was forced to close due to financial and staffing difficulties.

During a visit from the Care Inspectorate earlier this year, it was found the service did not have a fully functioning committee and therefore the manager "had struggled to cope with the challenge of overseeing the day to day operation of the club without support and direction".

The service had made efforts to form a new committee, and was working with the Clackmannanshire Third Sector Interface to try and continue operating.

However, this week a statement from the TOOSCC Parent Committee, released by the CTSI, said: "With deep regret, we have to inform you of the immediate closure of the club as of today Friday 22 April 2016.

"Despite the best efforts of the Parent Committee, the club is no longer financially viable in its current form.

"In addition, the three staff members have resigned and the voluntary parent committee has insufficient resources to rescue the situation.

"We sincerely apologise for the lack of notice and inconvenience caused.

"However, we only became aware of the gravity of the situation this morning and do not have the resources to continue operating.

"We will send a letter to you early this week explaining the situation in more detail."

The Clackmannanshire Third Sector Interface (CTSi) is now looking for support to try and re-establish some form of child care provision for the area and is asking exisiting organisations, as well as start up groups, to come forward.

In February, the Advertiser highlighted how the service, which had been based at St Bernadette's Primary School, had been under threat of closure as it lacked support from the community.

The report for the Care Inspectorate said: "This is the second year we have inspected the club and found them to be operating outwith their constitution.

"While on both occasions this has been addressed by the appointment of a committee, it has clearly highlighted the challenges faced by groups depending on working parents giving up their precious free time."

However, the inspectors noted: "Tullibody Out of School Care Club provides a warm and safe environment where children enjoy chatting and playing with their friends under the supervision of staff."

With regards to the future of the service, the report had concluded: "[The club] offers the only out of school provision in the area and approximately 20 children attend throughout the course of the week.

"This is the second inspection during which we have found there was no functioning committee.

"There are therefore significant concerns relating to the ongoing management of the group, as without a fully functioning committee, they cannot operate in their current form.

"The committee are therefore working closely to identify the best way forward with the support of Clackmannanshire Third Sector Interface (CTSi) who are there to guide and support the voluntary sector."

CTSi said they were putting the word to any childcare providers or potential start up organisations in the area that might be able to help the situation.

For more information or support in starting up such an organisation call 01259 213840 or email garethruddock@ctsi.org.uk