DOZENS of Barrhead and Neilston children face disappointment after a company which runs interactive play buses went bust.

The demise of Working On Wheels means the firm’s ‘PlayTalkRead’ vehicles will not be visiting the area in the coming weeks.

Parents and carers who were looking forward to hopping on board with their little ones to learn how playing, talking and reading could aid their child’s early development have been left in the lurch.

The 'PlayTalkRead' initiative was devised by the Scottish Government as part of its Early Years Framework and National Play Strategy.

Buses kitted out with games, DVDs, books and baby massage areas were due to park up at Auchenback Resource Centre and Neilston Library to offer tips on ways to engage with kids up to the age of three.

The bus' journey to Neilston Library had been scheduled for January 31, while the vehicle was set to roll into Barrhead the following day.

All of the events have now been cancelled, with no future dates set.

A spokeswoman for the Scottish Government said: “The 'PlayTalkRead' buses are off the road at the moment. We hope to be able to resume service as soon as possible but all dates have been cancelled for the foreseeable future.

“Working On Wheels, which runs the PlayTalkRead roadshow, has recently gone into liquidation.

“We are exploring a variety of options to ensure the roadshow element of the 'PlayTalkRead' campaign will continue.”