
Head teachers have spoken out after Morecambe FC had to cancel bookings for school children's parties due to the ongoing crisis at the club.
The heads at West End Primary in Morecambe, Mossgate in Heysham and Skerton St Lukes in Lancaster have all praised the community for rallying round them to help.
This came after the football club told them they couldn't host their Year 6 leavers events there after all.
The schools had booked to hold their parties inside Morecambe FC's stadium.
But they were informed this week that the bookings couldn't be honoured due to the issues at the club.
Sharon Cliff, head teacher at West End, said: "We found out yesterday.
"We contacted them to ask when we could go down to decorate the room. They sent an email saying that they can't go ahead due to the current situation.
"We'd paid them on Monday.
"The children have been raising money for the party, selling ice lollies every Friday."
Mrs Cliff said that thanks to the generosity of David and Carla Brayshaw at Morecambe firm Aqua Engineering, they now have an alternative venue to hold their leavers' party.
"It's overwhelming, the number of people who have stepped up," she said.
"Aqua Engineering have arranged for a room at Ocean Edge, entertainment, transport and food.
"We've ended up with more than we had in the first place.
"It's been a real lesson for the children, in community."
Mrs Cliff thanked Candy Floss King Halls Hire for supplying a candyfloss and popcorn machine for an hour, Stable End Curios for a £200 donation and they organised for leavers' keyrings and sweet cones, Little Flour Morecambe for sweet treats, Greenlands Farm for laser tag for the children, Travellers Choice for a free coach to Greenlands Farm, and Make a Splash LTD for a pool party
She said they'd also had offers of help from Sister Soirees, Hijaxx Events, the Performance Studios Lancaster, The Boardwalk, Kings Arms and More Music, DJ Simon White, the Sultan Experience and many members of the public.
Rob Smith, head of Mossgate Primary School in Heysham, said they'd received an email from a member of Morecambe FC staff apologising for the cancellation.
"It's deeply disappointing," he said.
"The uncertainty at the club is impacting on the community.
"It's not the fault of the staff. The owner isn't doing right by the club in my opinion."
Mr Smith said the leavers' party will still go ahead in the school hall.
He thanked The Sultan Experience for providing food for the event, Candy Floss King for supplying a free popcorn machine, Make a Splash swimming for providing a swim party for the kids, and parents who have rallied round to support the event.
Mr Smith said he was "very pleased" at the Year 6 pupils' school results and they wanted the event to "celebrate their achievements".
Catherine Armistead, head at Skerton St Lukes, said their party at the club had also been cancelled.
She said the school had paid a deposit for their leavers' event.
"The club staff have said they will do everything they can to help us in terms of getting the money back," said Mrs Armistead.
"Parents and local businesses have been amazing.
"It's disappointing for us but we will do something in our school hall. We will still go all out for the children.
"Local businesses have clubbed together and offered us some money. They've been incredible.
"The people I feel most sorry for are the staff at Morecambe FC. They aren't getting paid, but they are still trying to mop up this absolute debacle.
"They are in a much worse situation than us."
Employees at Morecambe FC have not been paid for almost two weeks amid ongoing wranglings over the sale of the club.
Meanwhile Lizzi Collinge, MP for Morecambe and Lunesdale, has written to club owner Jason Whittingham of Bond Group Investments, asking when the costs will be refunded to the affected schools.
Beyond Radio has contacted Morecambe FC for comment.
Here's the very latest on the crisis at the club.
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