The co-owner of Parents Paradise Play Centre has admitted she fears that the industry could be wiped out as a result of COVID-19 and are still among the few workplaces that cannot reopen due to restrictions.
Lyn Presence and her sister Wendy Atwood started Parents Paradise back in 2007 and has said that the current challenge facing the business in their most difficult yet.
They did not qualify for any of the emergency business grants set out by the government due to the rateable value of the building being in excess of the £51,000 ceiling set.
Lyn said: “We are working towards reopening but given the latest government update, we are still one of the few industries that have to remain closed for the foreseeable future. Our best-case scenario is that we can open later in August to take advantage of at least a few weeks of the school holidays.
“I think its grossly unfair that we weren’t eligible for any of the grants, this is dictated by the location of our business and not based on needs. We offer a valuable facility to the local community and also have dedicated classrooms and teach maths and English to over 200 children a week.
“We have continued to offer these classes online during lockdown with one of our teachers, who hasn’t been on furlough, delivering all of the classes.”
More than a dozen soft play mascots representing the indoor soft play centres from across the UK descended to Westminster on July 16 in a desperate bid to save their industry.
They were joined by owners, staff and young families who are all urging the government to provide clear guidance on when and how they can reopen.
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