IT’S NOT FAIR
Amusement park bosses’ fury over forced closure while other outdoor attractions are open
A SEASIDE funfair is set to axe 180 jobs – after reopening and then being told to close outdoor rides by the Scottish Government.
Codona’s, an amusement park on the beach in Aberdeen, was back in business on July 15.
But it has been forced to close after being designated a “travelling funfair”.
Bosses of the family firm, which has operated for 50 years, claim they repeatedly approached the Scottish Government for confirmation it could reopen but received no response.
The park stepped up PPE provision, increased cleaning procedures, conducted risk assessments and in-depth staff training, put up new signage and implemented hand sanitising stations. It also invested in a pre-booking website system, prepared a track and trace data capture operation and applied social distancing floor and ground markings.
On July 15, environmental health officers visited and appeared to be satisfied with the measures.
But the next day, owners were told it “would be prudent at this point to seek further confirmation from the Scottish Government as to what was intended by the funfair terminology used in part two to schedule one of the regulations”.
The funfair was allowed to remain open until a review was carried out. But six days after reopening, the family were told by the Scottish Government that their business was classed as a
“travelling funfair” and were instructed to close all funfair-type rides.
Codona’s bosses pointed to similar attractions which have been allowed to remain open – including Landmark Adventure Park, near Aviemore, and Blair Drummond Safari Park, near Stirling.
Owner Alfred Codona said: “We find the decision to close our outdoor rides astounding, considering outdoor playgrounds are now open with no Covid-19 policies or procedures in place.
“Indoor restaurants, cinemas, shops, shopping centres, indoor and outdoor bars are now open. Yet our outdoor attraction – with all the appropriate Covid-19 policies and procedures, inspected and approved – is instructed to close. We have requested the Scottish Government review this decision or risk the future of a business which has been the mainstay of Aberdeen beach for 50 years, leaving a gaping hole in the community and up to 180 people losing their jobs.”
Economy Secretary Fiona Hyslop said: “Unfortunately, there had been conflicting advice issued. The regulations are quite clear about a specific reference to funfairs and they are not able to open at this stage.
“It’s important that they can reopen when its safe to do so. It is unfortunate and regrettable that conflicting advice had previously been issued.”