‘WHEN CAN WE OPEN?’
Indoor play business appeals for clarity from Government
THE owners of an indoor play centre are demanding answers from the Government – as they desperately wait to find out when they can reopen.
Fenton Fun Factory was forced to shut on March 20 as a result of the pandemic, and the business remains closed today.
But leisure centres, swimming pools, gyms and trampoline parks can reopen from July 25 as part of the latest relaxation of lockdown rules.
Now more than 19,000 people have signed a petition calling on the Government to better support the indoor play industry.
Co-owner Richie Mayes took over the family-run King Street business five years ago. It used to be known as Heehee’s.
He said: “We just want guidance from the Government. It seems like we’ve been almost forgotten with gyms and trampoline parks being allowed to reopen.
“We’re just after clarity. If we can’t open until September – that’s fine. We just need to know so we can plan and especially with the furlough scheme ending.
“The 50 per cent meal deal is something we could benefit from if we can open and so is the lower VAT rate. But we need guidance and support from the Government.”
Indoor play centres are reopening in Northern Ireland from today.
The petition states: “The indoor play sector already has Covid-secure guidelines signed off by the Health and Safety Executive, Public Health England, and the Government.
“The financial support given by the chancellor this month can only add value to those allowed to reopen. Without further financial support, the future of this sector is at risk.”
The Government says it is providing businesses and their workers with an ‘unprecedented package of support’ during the crisis.
A Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local
Government spokesman said: “We recognise the frustration of businesses which have had to remain closed because of the pandemic and we are working to help them reopen as soon as it is safe.”