Playgroup treasurer quizzed by police

POLICE are today investigating a Suffolk playgroup's former treasurer, after allegations that money was missing from its accounts.

No charges have been brought yet, but a police spokeswoman said a 34-year-old man was currently on police bail.

The man – who has not been named – is due to return to police on May 27 to answer his bail, and be interviewed again following further inquiries by officers investigating the case.

They will have the choice of extending the man's bail to allow for more inquiries to be made, charging him, or releasing him from his bail without charge.

The allegations being looked into by detectives are understood to concern his time as a playgroup treasurer and claims that money was missing from the accounts of the playgroup.

It is understood that the playgroup suddenly discovered its account had less than £100 in it and it had gained debts of around £1,500.

Fundraising has since managed to reduce this problem by around £300 but it still left the group – which has been running for more than 30 years – in a difficult position and worried about its future.

However, it has recently received a district council grant of £1,000 to help with its plight.

It is understood the application for a grant was made because of its current circumstances, and it had not asked for a grant in the previous five years.

Councillors are understood to have been sympathetic and keen to see that a vital service for a community was not lost.

The playgroup, which caters for between 40 to 60 children aged three to five years, provides stimulating and educational learning for pre-school youngsters.

This includes a host of activities such as craft, reading, PE, role play and learning through play, as well as preparing the children for the start of their school lives.

Officials from the playgroup declined to comment on the matter at this stage.