Village soft play area latest casualty of Coronavirus lockdowns

Leisureland, part of Kirton Leisure, is the latest of dozens of soft play areas to close on the back of Coronavirus lockdowns.

But the venue itself plans to re-open bigger and better than before once the latest lockdown is over.

Kirton Leisure’s Ian Parnell said the closure of the play area would allow them to expand the Jubilee Room at the venue for functions.

He said: “On the news today they said 150 soft play areas had closed down since the start of the Coronavirus, unfortunately 'Leisureland" has added to that statistic, so with a heavy heart after running it for nearly 20 years and it being rented out the past two, it is no longer viable.

“However where there's a negative there's a positive and our new Jubilee Room will be further extended to accommodate 180+ guests allowing for larger weddings etc and ticketed events, work to start shortly.”

He said he had seen many nice comments and sad faces since announcing the news this week on social media.

Ian went on: “In the 20 years I've been here, I've seen some of the children grow up and now come in the bar.

“Margins weren't that high because we could only hold 20 children and only used it for parties but was a good asset to the village.

“We've always kept it clean and tidy but with increasing hygiene and probably Covid secure procedures plus the equipment getting worn it's now time to say goodbye to it and move forward.”

He said pre-Covid, Kirton Leisure had been going from strength to strength, particularly after investment five years ago which resulted in a 25% increase in business.

The Leisureland soft play area was rented out as a separate operation four years ago.

The closure will allow expansion of the Jubilee Room function room, which was completed in Kirton Leisure’s 25th year in 2019.

That was built in the area where the gym used to be, and could take up to 90 guests.

Ian said he used to miss out on weddings that needed more guests, but doubling the size of the room would help.

“Thankfully due to government grants which cover the outgoings we still have, we will be able to reopen,” he said.

“I'm not making any money at the moment but am confident when we reopen that our loyal customers will be glad to back.”