Left behind in lockdown: Fylde coast indoor play areas face an uncertain future

For some Fylde coast firms, indoor play staff have been moved to other areas of an attached business - whereas others remain on furlough.

In an address to the nation on Friday June 17, Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced that numerous establishments would be able to reopen.

But soft play areas were not included.

The UK government website clarifies that outdoor areas are far less likely to help the spread of the virus than indoor spaces.

"Scientific advice suggests that the virus can survive for up to several days on some hard surfaces, particularly when indoors. These risks are reduced when outdoors, where surfaces may be subject to UV light and/or rain," guidance said.

Staff at the Wacky Warehouse inside the Air Balloon pub, on Squires Gate Lane in South Shore have been able to carry on working in the pub itself, a Greene King spokesman said.

Blackpool Zoo has operated similarly, with Play Barn staff being moved to other areas of the zoo.

Della Belk, marketing and PR manager at Blackpool Zoo said: "We are awaiting further information as to when indoor play areas can reopen and what additional measures will need to be in place.

"In the meantime, all the staff from our Playbarn are now part of our fantastic, dedicated visitor services team, who are doing an amazing job at the zoo.

"From queue management to answering any questions and queries and much more, they’re there to ensure everyone enjoys a safe and fun visit during this temporary new normal."

But not all Fylde coast indoor play centres have been able to redistribute staff, and many remain on furlough.

Steven and Helen Gartside own Thingamjigz on Poulton industrial estate.

Mr Gartside explained that without clearer guidance from the Government as to what play areas can expect in the near future, he could not rule out a permanent closure.

"We have 20 furloughed staff, and we can't reopen until we're told it's safe to. I wouldn't want to push to reopen earlier - I will do so when it's deemed safe.

"But we need some sort of guidance as to when we can expect to reopen. At least then we could prepare for it.

"Our freezers are burning electric, and we're still paying hundreds of pounds a month in bills. We could probably manage until early next year like this, but if we couldn't reopen until later than that then we may not reopen at all.

"If the Government considers us unsafe to open that's fine, but we need to be compensated for it after the furlough scheme comes to an end."

Bounce Play Centre on Moor Park Avenue in Bispham faced similar issues, with all staff currently furloughed and its premises unable to reopen.

A spokesman for the inflatables centre said: "Nobody has a clue what's going on with indoor play centres, and it's all been a bit of a nightmare.

"We have 19 staff furloughed, and we're going to reopen as soon as we get the go ahead. We've got everything in place to make sure the centre is safe for families to come back."

Bounce received support from Blackpool North and Cleveleys MP Paul Maynard, who said he had raised the issues faced by indoor play areas in Parliament.

“I know the challenges indoor play centres like Bounce have faced and share the disappointment of business leaders they must remain closed while other areas of our economy are opening up," Mr Maynard said.

"I recognise the need to keep the spread of this virus under control but equally understand the need for clear guidance and a timescale to which businesses like Bounce can work.

"I have on more than one occasion raised the issues faced by this sector with the Prime Minister and made clear that if there is a reason they cannot open to the public, that the Government must continue its financial support.

"I will continue to do all I can to support local businesses through these unprecedented times."