Adventure ‘escape room’ gets go-ahead

JON MACPHERSON

AN ‘escape room’ company boss says public backing has been ‘unbelievable’ after plans to launch the ven- ture were approved.

Simon Milnes and his business partner Dave Armitage, both from Bacup, applied for planning permission to open a franchise of the new leisure craze on Kay Street in Rawtenstall, creating up to eight new jobs.

Rossendale councillors unanimously backed the proposals at the latest planning meeting.

Former maths teacher Simon, 35, told the meeting people cannot wait for it to open.

He said: “There was an article in the Rossendale Free Press about the possibility of escape rooms coming to Rawtenstall.

“The feedback that the article received was unbelievable.

“The local people of the Rossendale Valley cannot wait for the rooms to open as they want a local centre on their doorstep rather than travelling to the surrounding larger cities.

“There has been over 200 shares on social media, people have been tagging in their friends and have been discussing about trying the rooms.

“We’ve even had local businesses from Kay Street showing great interest in our rooms.”

An ‘ escape room’ is a physical adventure game in which players solve a series of puzzles and riddles using clues, hints and strategy to complete the objectives within a set time limit.

Dad-of-two Simon, who is also a former trampolinist, said they will create a ‘five-star’ leisure facility and boost other local businesses. He said: “We feel we would fit in perfectly with the regenera- ●● The ‘escape room’ invites participants to solve puzzles and riddles within a time limit ●● Simon Milne tion of Rawtenstall and the Rossendale Valley.

“Other businesses will also benefit from our customer base as people will want to eat and drink locally to the rooms as research has shown that escape rooms form part of a night out and more restaurants and pubs will get bounce-back from our clients increasing spending in Rawtenstall.

“We do have plans for the future to expand and open at another centre, bringing more jobs and more people into Rossendale.”

Voting in favour of the plans, Councillor Jimmy Eaton said: “It sounds very interesting. I think it’s something different and will enhance Rawtenstall.”

Coun Marilyn Procter added: “I think it’s very exciting.”