The British Association of Leisure, Parks, Piers, and Attractions (BALPPA) has instigated a campaign, to see the indoor play centres of the UK reopen to the public. The petition is asking Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, to save the indoor play centre industry from impending catastrophe.
Last week, dozens of mascots headed to Westminster to urge the UK Government to provide clearer guidance to indoor play centres. In a recent study by BALPPA, they found that almost two-thirds of indoor play areas in the UK faced permanent closure, unless new guidance is released. The emergency petition has already gathered more than 20,000 signatures.
The mascots, from all over the country, were accompanied by owners, staff and families, as they headed to Parliament Square last Thursday. “Last week the indoor play industry was dealt the latest devastating blow in the COVID-19 crisis when they were once again totally overlooked in the government’s re-opening plans,” said Paul Kelly, BALPPA chief executive.
“Over the past month, more than 20 of our members have gone out of business. A survey we conducted among our members showed that nearly two-thirds of the remaining centres will permanently shut by October. The financial support given by the Chancellor last week, while welcome, can only add value to those businesses that are allowed to reopen. Without further financial support, the very future of this entire sector is at risk,” Paul continued.
“The indoor play sector already has COVID-secure guidelines signed off by the Health & Safety Executive, Public Health England and the Government. All they’re asking for is for a clear timetable of when they can re-open.”
Concerned families have also made BALPPA aware of their feelings, regarding the long term impact of play centre closures, on their children. In Northern Ireland, the importance of play for children’s mental health and wellbeing is well recognised, and they have already seen their indoor play centres reopened.
