A new parent and toddler group is being set up in St Keverne by the Methodist church, but it wants to raise £7,500 first.

The church asked the parish council for a contribution towards the cost at its last meeting, but members had a few questions first, including over the amount required and the need for such a group.

Councillor Alicia Strickland suggested whether asking for donations of toys would save some money.

However, Marshall Dagger, from the Methodist church, said they had made a conscious decision to have “quality, safe equipment.”

As such they wanted to carpet the hall and needed to add radiator guards, along with other safety features, which is where the money mounted up.

He said it would not be expensive to operate once set up though, with volunteers running, hopefully with the help of parents.

He also said there was “a definite need” after councillor Sarah Lyne questioned how much research had be done, after groups at the church and the parish hall both folded.

“Parent and toddler groups in the area generally are oversubscribed. We have had a lot of requests from mothers. There’s one day a week not catered for and we have been specifically asked to have one on that day.

“A lot of thought and planning has gone into it,” he said, adding that the plan was to launch the group just after Easter.

Councillor David Lambrick said he had a “niggling problem,” explaining: “If one hall gets money to do stuff up and another doesn’t it’s unfair on the other halls in the village.”

Fellow member Anthony Richards questioned: “I just wonder why it was necessary to have carpet on the floor,” adding that a hard floor was easier to clean.

It was agreed unanimously to donate £400, with the condition that the money was spent on toys and equipment rather than hall renovations.