A NEW service has been floated to allow children to 'loan' toys, as they would a book at a library.

The scheme, thought up by Salisbury City Council, would allow the kids to keep the toys for up to one month.

To participate, families will be asked to join a membership scheme 'for a minimum cost' and this money will be used to replace toys in the future.

The 'toy library' would be a mobile one, and visit different community areas each week.

A spokesperson for the council said: "The idea is to have a supply of good quality, age appropriate, durable and fun toys for the families with primary school aged children to play, and change regularly to stimulate new interest."

But, to get the scheme off the ground, the council is looking for the public to help out with donating unwanted toys.

A collection point is located at Tesco Extra, on Southampton Road, throughout February and March.

The types of toys the council is after:

  • Baby toys
  • Sensory toys
  • Educational toys
  • Building blocks
  • Construction
  • Role play toys
  • Games
  • Musical instruments

All toys will also need to conform to the current EU Safety Standards and to British Standards, be new or of good quality, clean and complete. Donations can also be made by contacting Dawn Beauchamp at the city council on 01722 417100.

The types of toys that we are looking to purchase are:

• Baby toys

• Sensory toys

• Educational toys

• Building blocks

• Construction

• Role play toys

• Games

• Musical instruments

We would like to offer toys from aged birth to 11 years, which can be kept on loan for up to one month.

Salisbury City Council are pleased to announce that Tesco Extra, on the Southampton Road Salisbury, will be supporting the Community Team by hosting a toy collection in store throughout February and March. The Communities Team are delighted to have the support of Tesco Extra and its shoppers to get this project off the ground.

If you are able to donate to this project the toys will need to confirm to the current EU Safety Standards and to British Standards, be new or of good quality, clean and complete. Please make your donations through the Tesco Extra store or contact Dawn Beauchamp at the Communities Team Office on Tel: 01722 417100.