Another blow for Cleveleys as funfair Kiddies Corner closes permanently
Seafront miniature funfair Kiddies Corner in Cleveleys has permanently closed due the financial strain of the pandemic, its owner has confirmed.
Rides at the North Promenade attraction, which first set up in Cleveleys in 1961 before being taken over by current owner Joey Silcock in 2018, started to be pulled down yesterday (Tuesday September 22).
Mr Silcock said the business was no longer financially viable, after being unable to open this year as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.
"I'm shutting it down, it hasn't made any money and I can't afford the rent to keep it going," he said.
"We were going to take the rides away for maintenance and come back next year but it's no good for me to throw money away on it.
"We've also had problems with vandalism. I've just got to make the best of it now and I'm going to retire."
The Gazette reported in July that the promenade site had sparked concerns of "neglect" due to litter and damaged rides.
At this time Wyre Council said it had issued a "formal warning" to Mr Silcock to "ensure that the site is cleaned and maintained as per the lease terms," which he disputed.
Mr Silcock added that he expected to revisit the site this weekend to clean it up and remove the remaining rides, ready to be sold.