Business as usual at Fantasy Island market in Ingoldmells

Earlier this week James and Edward Mellors announced the rides and entertainment centre would close until after Easter when the situation would be reviewed.

The decision regarding the market has been welcomed by traders. Helen Gray's family have traded there for over 18 years and said: "We, along with the other traders at Fantasy Island, had a meeting with senior management of the park about the coronavirus pandemic and the park as a whole.

"Although the rides and the dome are closed for the time being, all market traders can still open if we wish. This is our own choice.

"Until the Government tells us we have to close and lock down is mandatory it is a very difficult situation for us.

"We all have families to feed and bills to pay so need to try and earn a living while we still can. Plus try and keep our staff in employment.

"I’m sure I speak on behalf of all of us that trade at Fantasy Island when I say how grateful we are to them.

"Their continued support has overwhelmed us, no rent payable until this crisis is over and help and advice available at all times.

"This is a huge relief in a extremely worrying time for us and the rest of the country. Thank you Fantasy island for everything you are doing for us."

Another trader, Lynne Hannah Hardman, commented: “I want people to understand our reasons for opening during this current COVID-19 outbreak.

"I'm sure I speak for many traders and not just myself when I say this couldn't come at a worse time of year for us all. A lot of us don't have any income from October until March/April and we live all winter on the profits we have earned from the previous summer so when February/March comes we all work hard to get our stalls, shops, cafes etc stocked up and ready for the influx of tourists from which we make our living.

"However, this year is different to any other, for everyone not just us.

"Unfortunately the owners of Fantasy Island, the Mellors have had to make the decision to close the rides and the indoor entertainment areas of Fantasy Island. They are, however, trying their hardest to keep the market running as long as the government allows us to.

"It's quite well known that there was a meeting of owners and traders last Wednesday where lots of things were discussed including how to deal with keeping staff and customers safe, cleaning, sanitising and distancing wherever possible. It was a nervous meeting for us traders as we thought we were going to be closed down but instead the Mellors gave us a chance to survive by providing us with maintenance, security and the management team all at their own cost, and allowing the traders to open, rent free, until everything gets back normal.

"This obviously is massive for us as many of us don't have just ourselves to think about but also our staff.

"So people if you're well and shouldn't be self-isolating either to protect yourself or other people, it's business as usual at Fantasy Island market for the foreseeable future.”